The testicles or testes (singular testicle), are the male generative glands in animals. Male mammals have two testicles, which are often contained within an extension of the abdomen called the scrotum.

In mammals, the testes are located outside of the body, as they are suspended by the spermatic cord and within the scrotum. This is due to the fact that spermatogenesis in mammals is more efficient at a temperature somewhat less than the core body temperature (37°C or 98.6°F for humans). The cremasteric muscle is part of the spermatic cord. When this muscle contracts, the cord is shortened and the testicle is moved closer up toward the body, which provides slightly more warmth to maintain optimal testicular temperature. When the temperature needs to be lowered, the cremasteric muscle relaxes and the testicle is lowered away from the warm body and are able to cool. This phenomenon is known as the cremasteric reflex. It also occurs in response to stress (the testicles rise up toward the body in an evolutionary effort to protect them in a fight) and they also retract during orgasm.

Animals other than mammals do not have externalized testicles. Birds, despite having very high core body temperatures have internal testes: it was once theorized that birds used their air sacs to cool the testes internally, but later studies revealed that birds' testes function at core body temperature.^*

More on [ Testicle ]

Men's health News From Medical News Today

Indian Health Minister Calls On Country To Legalize Homosexuality To Improve Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700
Following his recent efforts to legalize homosexuality in India, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said the country should recognize the increasing acceptance of homosexuality worldwide because such tolerance would ensure "an effective fight against AIDS," IANS/Thaindian News reports (IANS/Thaindian News, 9/29).
Diabetes And Mortality In Men With Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: RTOG 92-02
Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:00:00 -0700
UroToday.com - In the September 10, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Dr. Matthew Smith and his colleagues reported on the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and death in men treated for prostate cancer (CaP) with radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The authors cited a meta-analysis whereby an inverse relationship between diabetes and CaP diagnosis was noted.
Premature Ejaculation - Plethora Solutions Has Completed European Phase III Trial Of PSD502
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700
Sciele Pharma, Inc. ("Sciele") (NASDAQ:SCRX), a specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that Plethora Solutions Holdings PLC ("Plethora") (AIM:PLE), the specialist developer of products for the treatment and management of urological disorders, has completed its European Phase III study of PSD502 for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) in Europe. The study was initiated in December 2007 and these results from the blinded study are expected in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Studying Cause Of Antisocial Behavior
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700
A link between reduced levels of the 'stress hormone' cortisol and antisocial behaviour in male adolescents has been discovered by a research team at the University of Cambridge. Levels of cortisol in the body usually increase when people undergo a stressful experience, such as public speaking, sitting an exam, or having surgery.
Once-Yearly Aclasta(R) Approved In EU To Treat Male Osteoporosis And To Reduce Risk Of New Fractures Following Hip Fracture In Both Sexes
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:00:00 -0700
The European Commission has approved once-yearly Aclasta®* (zoledronic acid 5 mg) for the treatment of osteoporosis in men who are at increased risk of fractures, and broadened the Aclasta label to include reduction of new clinical fractures in both men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who have recently suffered a hip fracture.
Older Men More Likely To Father A Child With Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Royal College Of Psychiatrists
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:00:00 -0700
Children born to older fathers are at increased risk of having an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. But the researchers found no link between increased maternal age and the risk of ASD. The study, which was carried out in Japan, involved 84 participants with 'high-functioning' ASD.

NYT > Health

Three Europeans Win the 2008 Nobel for Medicine
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:30:24 -0000
The scientists, who discovered the viruses that cause cervical cancer and AIDS, will share the award.

CNN.com - Health

Ancient sport helps breast cancer survivors
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:23:15 -0400
Dragon boat racing dates back to ancient China, but some modern-day participants are breast cancer survivors who are using the sport to paddle their way back to physical and emotional health.
AIDS, cancer scientists scoop medicine Nobel
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:08:01 -0400
Two Frenchmen and a German won the 2008 Nobel Prize in medicine for their discoveries of viruses that cause HIV and cervical cancer, the organization's Web site said Monday.

Subscribe to Mens_Health RSS feed