Orchic

Orchic is the chemical name for the testicles or testes, the two male sex glands which hang outside the body in a small sac of skin called the scrotum. They perform two significant functions: they produce both the male reproductive cells, the sperm, and the male sex hormones, the internal secretion which causes the body to assume the attributes of masculinity. Both sperm and so-called interstitial cells originate within the testes, the tubular structures known as seminiferous tubules. When sperm cells mature, they migrate to one of two seminal vesicles located near the urinary bladder, where they remain until used. The interstitial cells remain in the testes, occupying the spaces between tubules, and produce male sex hormones.

The hormone known medically as testosterone has been extensively studied and found to have many effects in the body. Appearing in quantity only as puberty approaches, it evokes growth of the sex organs to their adult size. Stronger and heavier male bones and muscles are dependent on the testosterone, which also cause the vocal cords in the larynx to enlarge, resulting in the characteristic low pitch of the male voice, and prompts the growth of body hair.

Testosterone has a definite effect on emotional and mental development, influencing adult interest in sex, and ideas and attitudes usually identified as adult masculine. Disorders of the testes include infection, damage from mumps, cancer, or failure to descend normally into the scrotum. In addition, typhoid and undulant fever may affect these organs. Mumps reach the testicles in approximately one in a hundred cases, but sometimes more frequently in a major epidemic. Mumps cause the testes to swell painfully and sometimes destroy their function permanently, a complication called orchitis. Epididymitis is an infection of the hood like structure covering the upper end of each testicle.

The testicles normally descend from within the body to the scrotum by the time of birth. However, this does not always occur. Since the internal temperature of the body is too high to permit the organs to produce sperm cells, the glands cannot develop and function properly. Therefore, when the testes do not descend, some of the male characteristics may be latent. Treatment by hormones may not be sufficient, but often surgery is indicated to correct this condition, called cryptorchism.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food And Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Reference: Medical and Health Encyclopedia volume 13 pages 1868-1869.