Kivesien

Kivesien is a term that refers to the testicles in Finnish. The testicles are the primary reproductive organs in males, responsible for producing sperm and male sex hormones, primarily testosterone. They are located within the scrotum, a sac of skin that hangs outside the body. This external location helps regulate the temperature of the testicles, which is crucial for optimal sperm production.

The testicles begin their development inside the abdomen during fetal development and typically descend into the scrotum before birth. This descent is an important process, and failure to descend, known as cryptorchidism, can lead to infertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer if not treated.

Internally, the testicles are composed of seminiferous tubules, where spermatogenesis, the process of sperm creation, occurs. Interspersed between these tubules are Leydig cells, which produce testosterone. The production of sperm and testosterone is regulated by hormones from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain.

Diseases and conditions affecting the testicles include testicular torsion, a medical emergency where the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood supply. Other conditions include orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube behind the testicles that stores and carries sperm), and testicular cancer. Regular self-examination of the testicles is recommended for early detection of abnormalities.