testicolo

The testicle, or testis, is one of the paired male reproductive organs. In humans, the testicles are located in the scrotum, suspended by the spermatic cord, and are typically oval in shape. They produce sperm through spermatogenesis and secrete testosterone, the principal androgen that drives male development and reproductive function. In Italian, the term is testicolo.

Anatomically, each testis is surrounded by the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea and organized into lobules containing seminiferous tubules. Sperm are produced in the tubules by germ cells supported by Sertoli cells; interstitial Leydig cells lie between tubules and secrete testosterone. The scrotum maintains a temperature several degrees cooler than core body temperature, which is essential for efficient sperm production. Blood is supplied by the testicular artery and drained by the pampiniform plexus.

Developmentally, the testes arise near the developing kidneys and descend into the scrotum through the inguinal canal before birth or shortly after. This descent is guided by hormonal and mechanical factors; failure to descend (cryptorchidism) increases the risk of infertility and testicular cancer.

Functionally, the testes perform spermatogenesis and androgen production. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulates this activity: GnRH stimulates release of FSH and LH; FSH acts on Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis; LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

Clinical considerations include torsion, an emergency condition where the spermatic cord twists and blood flow is cut off; hydrocele and varicocele; epididymo-orchitis; and testicular cancer, most commonly germ cell tumors such as seminoma and non-seminomatous tumors. Regular self-examination and prompt evaluation of masses or pain are advised.