Exocrine vs Endocrine for testes

[eybc20]

I have a question on whether the testes would be considered endocrine or exocrine, or both. I understand that they're considered endocrine because they produce testosterone, but they also produce sperm- which ultimately ends up in the outside world (bam! babies everywhere!)

So doesn't the production of sperm make the testes exocrine? None of the review books I'm reading classify the testes as exocrine really, but don't they fit the definition of exocrine- leading to the outside world through a duct (vas deferens)?

I ask because I think I encountered an EK 1001 question about whether they're exo/endo. Thanks in advance!

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[FutureDoc2]

I have a question on whether the testes would be considered endocrine or exocrine, or both. I understand that they're considered endocrine because they produce testosterone, but they also produce sperm- which ultimately ends up in the outside world (bam! babies everywhere!)

So doesn't the production of sperm make the testes exocrine? None of the review books I'm reading classify the testes as exocrine really, but don't they fit the definition of exocrine- leading to the outside world through a duct (vas deferens)?

I ask because I think I encountered an EK 1001 question about whether they're exo/endo. Thanks in advance!

Hmmm I've never thought about this-always accepted it as endocrine. I would love to know the answer to this question. Anyone care to chime in?

 

[deleted103644]

Producing germ cells isn't enough - you need to be excreting enzymes.

I can't remember if anything important is added by the testes themselves, but the bulk of the protein content is added by the prostate and other glands later. Those are the true exocrine glands.

 

[eybc20]

Thanks!