Emojevwe Victor

By Emojevwe Victor, Igiehon Osarugue, Oyovwi Mega Obukohwo, Nwangwa Eze Kingsley and Naiho Alexander Obidike

The testes, also known as the male gonads are found in the scrotal sacs. In addition to their spermatogenic functions, they also secrete steroids and protein hormones. The steroid hormones are the androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone as well as estrogen, while the protein hormones are inhibins, activins, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). This chapter therefore discusses the role of the testis in the production and functions of the testicular androgens as well as testicular protein hormones.

Part of the book: Male Reproductive Anatomy

By Oyovwi Mega Obukohwo, Ben-Azu Benneth, Ovuakporaye Irikefe Simon, Onome Bright Oghenetega, Emojevwe Victor, Falajiki Y. Faith, Patrick Godwin Okwute, Rotu Arientare Rume, Okoro Ogheneyebrorue Godswill and Nwangwa Eze Kingsley

Males primarily use testosterone as a sex hormone. Through its effects on the androgen receptor, it is released by the interstitial cells of the testes and is in charge of the male external genitalia development as well as the internal reproductive glands and ducts during adolescence and maturity. Additionally, testosterone is required for the descent of testes via the inguinal canal in the last 2 months of fetal development. When a Y chromosome and consequently the SRY gene are missing from an embryo, ovaries form. The Wolffian ducts do not mature because the fetal ovaries do not release enough testosterone. It is mostly used to treat male hypogonadism. Notably, this chapter addresses the following context: historical view of testosterone research, biosynthesis, secretion, metabolism, transport mechanism, biological actions, health benefit of testosterone, factors that promote and inhibit testosterone secretion, therapeutic implication as well as pathophysiology of testosterone secretion.

Part of the book: Testosterone