What is the primary reproductive function of the male gonads?

The primary reproductive function of the male gonads, which include the testes, is the production of sperm. The testes are responsible for the process of spermatogenesis, where immature sperm cells develop into mature sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg. This process involves various stages of maturation and is integral to male fertility and reproduction.

While the male gonads also have other important functions, such as the secretion of hormones like testosterone, the core role of sperm production is what distinguishes male gonads from female reproductive structures, which primarily focus on the production of eggs. In addition, the storage of sperm occurs in the epididymis rather than the gonads themselves, further emphasizing that the definitive reproductive function of the testes is the creation of sperm.