Testes

The testes are part of the male reproductive organs which produce cells called spermatozoa (more commonly called sperm).

Spermatogenesis takes place at a lower temperature than regular body temperature which is why the testes are outside the body surrounded by a pouch of skin called the scrotum. This regulates the temperature and keeps it at the optimum.

As well as producing sperm, the testes also produce hormones. Testosterone is produced in Leydig cells, which are active in fetal development leading to male characteristics. However, after birth, the cells will then remain inactive until puberty^[1][2].

References

1. ↑ Silverthorn, D. (2013). Human Physiology. 6th ed. Boston: Pearson Education Inc. 864.
2. ↑ Sadava et al. (2012). LIFE The Science Of Biology. 10th ed. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. 889.