Question

What are the functions performed by the testis in human beings?
A. Production of sperms
B. Production of testosterone hormone
C. Production of ovum
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

In male reproductive organ, each seminiferous tubule has male germ cells that produce sperm and the interstitial cells secrete androgens.

Complete answer:
Human reproduction activities include the production of gametes i.e. sperm in males and ovum in females, the delivery of sperm to the female genital tract (insemination) and the combination of male and female gametes (fertilisation) leading to the development of zygotes. This is accompanied by the initiation and growth of blastocyst and it is binding to the uterine wall (implantation), embryonic development (gestation) and birth of the baby (parturition). There are interesting variations in reproduction activities in males and females, for example, sperm production occurs even in elderly men, but ovum forming ends in women at the age of fifty. The male reproductive system is found in the pelvic area. It contains a set of testes along with glands, accessory ducts, and the external genitalia.

The testicles are found in the outside of the abdominal cavity within a pocket called a scrotum. The scrotum helps to sustain the low temperature of the testicles required for spermatogenesis. In adults, each testis has an oval shape, with a length of about 4 to 5 cm and a width of about 2 to 3 cm. The testis is hidden by a protective cover. Every testis has about 250 compartments named as testicular lobules. Each lobule comprises one to three strongly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm is produced. Every seminiferous tubule is lined within two groups of cells called male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Male germ cells eventually undergo meiotic divisions leading to sperm development, while Sertoli cells feed the germ cells. Areas outside seminiferous tubules, known as interstitial spaces, contain narrow blood vessels and interstitial cells or leydig cells. Leydig cells synthesize and secrete testicular hormones called androgens.

Thus, the correct answer is option D i.e., Both A and B.

Note: The testes are a pair of ovoid glandular organs that are essential to the function of the male reproductive system. The testes are important for the creation of sperm cells and the male sex hormone testosterone.