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Why is it That One Testicle Hangs Lower Than the Other?
By Georg Von Neumann | Submitted On January 18, 2010
1 1
In the human male, the testicles do not "hang" at the same level from the body. One testicle hangs lower than the other. The testicle that hangs lower is also smaller in size than the upper testicle. Why is this?
Scientists have been studying this for years and have come upon some theories that may explain the reason for this testicular asymmetry:
The testicles are very temperature sensitive. This is because sperm must be kept at a body temperature lower than regular body temperature. This is why the testicles are outside of the body. If the testicles get too cold, then the cremasteric muscle will raise them closer to the body to keep the sperm warmer. If the sperm gets too hot, then the cremasteric muscle will relax and let the testicles hang down lower.
Each testicle has a separate blood blood supply from each other, so they are independent. This means that the temperature of each one can be regulated independently. By having the testicles "staggered," as they are, this allows the temperature of each one to be addressed by itself. It is believed that if the testicles were side by side (symmetrical) that this would compromise the body's ability to regulate each individual testicle's temperature; as their temperature would be influenced by the testicle sitting next to it.
It is also believed that the "staggered" lay-out of the testicles makes it more comfortable for the man. If both testicles were side by side, things could get quite uncomfortable, especially when wearing restrictive clothing or underwear.
It also should be noted that during certain body movements (such as sitting, walking, jogging, or running), if the testicles were side-by-side, it would also be rather uncomfortable, as they would tend to bang and slam against each other. This would tend to be quite painful!
Handedness sometimes determines which testicle hangs lower. In right-handed men, the left testicle typically is lowest and smallest. In left-handed men, the right testicle hangs lower and is smallest. This is why most men have a lower-left testicle, as right-handed men are more common.
Interestingly enough, the left breast in women is larger than the right breast in 65% of women. The same percentage applies to men who have a left-lower testicle - 65%.
The key to note is that it is normal to have one testicle that hangs lower than the other.
By Georg Von Neumann | Submitted On January 18, 2010
1 1 In the human male, the testicles do not "hang" at the same level from the body. One testicle hangs lower than the other. The testicle that hangs lower is also smaller in size than the upper testicle. Why is this?
Scientists have been studying this for years and have come upon some theories that may explain the reason for this testicular asymmetry:
The testicles are very temperature sensitive. This is because sperm must be kept at a body temperature lower than regular body temperature. This is why the testicles are outside of the body. If the testicles get too cold, then the cremasteric muscle will raise them closer to the body to keep the sperm warmer. If the sperm gets too hot, then the cremasteric muscle will relax and let the testicles hang down lower.
Each testicle has a separate blood blood supply from each other, so they are independent. This means that the temperature of each one can be regulated independently. By having the testicles "staggered," as they are, this allows the temperature of each one to be addressed by itself. It is believed that if the testicles were side by side (symmetrical) that this would compromise the body's ability to regulate each individual testicle's temperature; as their temperature would be influenced by the testicle sitting next to it.
It is also believed that the "staggered" lay-out of the testicles makes it more comfortable for the man. If both testicles were side by side, things could get quite uncomfortable, especially when wearing restrictive clothing or underwear.
It also should be noted that during certain body movements (such as sitting, walking, jogging, or running), if the testicles were side-by-side, it would also be rather uncomfortable, as they would tend to bang and slam against each other. This would tend to be quite painful!
Handedness sometimes determines which testicle hangs lower. In right-handed men, the left testicle typically is lowest and smallest. In left-handed men, the right testicle hangs lower and is smallest. This is why most men have a lower-left testicle, as right-handed men are more common.
Interestingly enough, the left breast in women is larger than the right breast in 65% of women. The same percentage applies to men who have a left-lower testicle - 65%.
The key to note is that it is normal to have one testicle that hangs lower than the other.
