what are gonads

Gonads are the primary reproductive organs in an organism, responsible for producing the gametes (sex cells) and sex hormones. In males, the gonads are the testes, which produce sperm and testosterone, while in females, the gonads are the ovaries, which produce eggs (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These organs play a crucial role in reproduction and the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. Gonads also function as endocrine glands by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream and as exocrine glands by releasing gametes through ducts.