Testes

The male gonads or testes lie in the scrotal sac and the normal

size varies from that of a walnut to that of a pigeon egg. There are

two parts to the testes, the tubules, which produce the sperm, and

the Leydig cells, which produce the principal masculinizing hormone,

testosterone. Leydig cells also produce small amounts of

estrogens, the female sex hormones.

The testicle is under the control of gonad-stimulating hormones

or Gonadotrophins. Just before the onset of puberty, gonadotrophins

are released, causing the testes to mature and to secrete

increasing amounts of testosterone. This induces development of

the secondary sex characteristics such as development of the penis,

pubic and auxiliary hair growth, increased muscle mass, voice

changes, beard growth and all the signs of manliness in vigor and

perhaps even influencing deportment and behavior.

With adequate gonadotrophins and androgen production, the

tubular germ cells ripen into sperm cells. In the case of disorders

of the testes, secondary sexual characteristics will not develop if

there is an androgen deficiency during puberty. If this occurs after

maturity, a partial regression occurs. A pituitary disease may be the cause of this deficiency also. In the Taoist Esoteric System, we

believe that there is tremendous potential in the energy of the sperm

and sex hormones. We awaken and transform this energy to the

higher centers.