Gonad facts for kids
Gonads are special organs in the body that are part of the endocrine system. They are very important because they make hormones and special cells needed for reproduction. In humans, the main gonads are the ovaries in females and the testicles in males.
What Are Gonads?
Gonads are like tiny factories inside your body. They are glands that produce two main things:
- Hormones: These are chemical messengers that travel through your blood. They help control many body functions, like growth, development, and how your body changes as you get older.
- Reproductive cells: These are the special cells needed to create new life.
Role in the Body
Gonads play a big role in how a person grows and develops, especially during puberty. The hormones they produce cause many of the changes you see and feel as you get older, like growing taller, changes in your voice, and the development of your body shape.
Different Types of Gonads
There are two main types of gonads, depending on whether a person is male or female:
- Ovaries: These are the female gonads. They produce female hormones and egg cells.
- Testicles: These are the male gonads. They produce male hormones and sperm cells.
Both types of gonads are essential for the body's development and for the ability to have children later in life.
See also
In Spanish: Gónada para niños
