ANATOMY

In humans Testes are contained within an extension of Abdomen called Scrotum. The average size of a testicle after puberty; measures up to two inches in length, 0.8 inches in breadth and 1.2 inches in height. Under the tough membranous shell Tunica Albuginea (fibrous covering of testis) contains fine coiled tubes Seminiferous Tubules (present in Testes for creation of Spermatozoa). The developing sperm travel through these tubules to Rete Testis (delicate tubules in hilum of Testicles) located in the Mediastinum Testis (fibrous connective tissues) to the Efferent Ducts. From where the sperm passes to the Epididymis, in the epididymis the sperm cells mature. Within the Seminiferous Tubules there are three types of cells which are as follows.

• Germ Cells

• Sertoli Cells

• Peritubular Myoid Cells

The three cells present between these tubules are as follows.

• Leydig Cells

• Immature Leydig Cells

• Macrophages and Epithelial Cells

FUNCTIONS

The functions of Testes include the production of Sperm and Androgens like Testosterone.

BLOOD SUPPLY

The Testis has the blood supply from two sources i.e.

• Cremasteric Artery, a branch of Inferior Epigastric Artery.

• Artery to the Ductus Deferens, a branch of Inferior Vesical Artery.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Testes follow the Testicular Arteries back to Paraaortic lymph nodes for the Lymph drainage.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Some of the diseases relating to Testes are as follows.

• Testicular Cancer

• Varicocele (swollen veins)

• Hydrocele Testis (swelling of Testes)

• Endocrine Disorders