Sugunäärmed

Sugunäärmed, also known as gonads, are the primary reproductive organs in animals, responsible for producing gametes (sex cells) and sex hormones. In males, the primary sex organs are the testes, which produce sperm and androgens, primarily testosterone. In females, the primary sex organs are the ovaries, which produce eggs (ova) and estrogens and progesterone. These hormones play crucial roles not only in reproduction but also in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of facial hair in males and breast development in females, and in regulating various physiological processes throughout the body.

The development and function of the gonads are controlled by the endocrine system, specifically the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. These glands release hormones that stimulate the gonads to produce their respective gametes and sex hormones. During puberty, hormonal changes lead to the maturation of the gonads and the onset of reproductive capability. In females, the release of eggs is cyclical, a process known as ovulation, which occurs as part of the menstrual cycle. Males, on the other hand, continuously produce sperm. The gonads are essential for sexual reproduction, enabling the continuation of species by creating new individuals.