The testes hang in the scrotum outside the body cavity because
- A. sperm production needs a temperature slightly below body temperature
- B. the testes are too large to fit inside the abdomen
- C. testosterone breaks down at body temperature
- D. sperm must be released directly to the outside
Explanation
Spermatogenesis fails at the normal 37 degrees of the abdomen, so the scrotum keeps the testes about two degrees cooler. This is why undescended testes in childhood need correction to preserve fertility.