Question

The testes of a great majority of mammals are typically enclosed in an extra abdominal sac, the scrotum. The temperature inside the scrotum is lower than that in the abdomen. What will happen if the temperature of the scrotum is artificially maintained to the level of abdominal temperature?

• A. The germinal epithelium will produce a large quantity of androgen secretion.
• B. The germinal epithelium of the testes will divide faster, thus producing more sperms.
• C. The germinal epithelium of the testes will degenerate, resulting in sterility.
• D. The germinal epithelium will carry out normal spermatogenesis.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The germinal epithelium of the testes will degenerate, resulting in sterility.

• The temperature of the scrotum is maintained at 2 degree celsius less than the normal body temperature.
• Spermatogenesis requires this lower temperature.
  
• This temperature of the scrotum is important for the production of viable sperm.
• If the temperature increases it will lead to the decrease in viable sperms causing sterility.