Testes and Ovaries as Endocrine Glands

Introduction

This article on testes and ovaries as endocrine glands will deal with endocrine function, testes and ovaries functions in the endocrine system and other related topics. It is an important topic in biology that students must study properly. So, let’s dive into the topic. 

Testes as Endocrine Function

The testes  is to produce sperms that helps in reproduction and producing male sex hormones known as androgens. 

Endocrine and exocrine gland-

 In endocrine, releasing substances into the bloodstream, it releases them in the duct(exocrine). 

Here are some important testes’s function :

• One of the most important functions is that it helps in the growth and development of the male reproductive organs, the penis and testes

• Helps in the growth at the time of puberty

• Helps in the production/release and maturation of the sperms

• Plays a significant role in the growth of facial and body hair during puberty

• Make the male voice deep

• Responsible for the growth of Adam’s apple

• Helps in the generation of libido

• Helps in building up the bone density

• Keeps the muscle mass and strength intact

• Responsible for the development of the male reproductive organs

• Increases the count of red blood cells

Testes Endocrine System

Apart from playing a vital role in the male reproductive system, testes are also considered an endocrine gland because of their ability to secrete the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone helps in the normal development of males and monitors their physical characteristics. 

Testes

As mentioned earlier, Testes are known as the male gonads that are vital in the male reproductive system.

Origin

The testes originate from three different layers: the mesothelium (outer layer of coelomic epithelium), the mesenchyme (intermediate mesoderm) and the primordial germ cells.

Location of testes in body-

In appearance, the testes look like twin oval-shaped organs. The testes are located within the scrotum. The scrotum is a loose pouch-like skin that hangs outside and behind the penis. This location of the scrotum makes testes vulnerable to injuries as testes do not have any muscle or bones for shielding themselves. 

Note: This scrotum location helps to maintain the temperature of testes. Testes require a lower temperature than the normal body temperature for healthier production of sperms.

Testosterone Production

The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland control the production and secretion of testosterone into the testes. 

This vital function is performed when the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release the “follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone”, called gonadotrophic substances. This luteinizing hormone or LH then tends to stimulate testosterone production. 

Suppose the released testosterone is more than the required amount. In that case, the hypothalamus alerted the pituitary gland to secrete less LH, which in turn indicates the testes to lower the levels of testosterone. 

Testes Function in the Endocrine System( testosterone

• The testes secrete testosterone, which is necessary for proper physical development in boys

• In adulthood, testosterone maintains libido, muscle strength and bone density

• Disorders of the testes are caused by too little testosterone production

Ovaries

The ovaries are the female gonads, a crucial organ of the female reproductive device.

Origin

Develops from 3 different layers; 

• Mesothelium (coelomic epithelium)

• Primordial germ cells

• Mesenchyme (intermediate mesoderm)

Location

• The ovaries lie in a shallow depression referred to as the ovarian fossa, one on every facet of the uterus.

Characteristic of Ovaries and function as endocrine gland

• The ovaries maintain the health of the female reproductive system

• In addition to their role in producing ova, the ovaries also have the distinction of being an endocrine gland because they secrete hormones—normally oestrogen and progesterone—which might be critical to regular reproductive improvement and fertility

• Since the ovaries can regulate hormones, they are considered necessary in the pregnancy and fertility of a woman. When egg cells (oocytes) are released from the fallopian tube, a ramification of remarks mechanisms stimulate the endocrine gland, which motivates hormone stages to alternate. These comment mechanisms are controlled with the aid of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Messages from the hypothalamus are sent to the pituitary gland. In turn, the pituitary gland releases hormones to the ovaries. From this signalling, the ovaries release their hormones

Diseases related to the ovaries consist of ovarian cysts, ovarian cancers, menstrual cycle problems and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Conclusion

An important function of testes is to produce sperms. The main reason testes are considered both endocrine and exocrine glands is that instead of releasing substances into the bloodstream, it releases them in the duct. Ovaries on the other hand, are the female gonads, a crucial organ of the female reproductive device.