Gonad: meaning, definitions and examples
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gonad
[ ɡoʊˌnæd ]
biological term
A gonad is a reproductive organ that produces gametes, which are necessary for sexual reproduction. In animals, there are two primary types of gonads: testes in males, which produce sperm, and ovaries in females, which produce eggs. Gonads also produce hormones that are important for regulating sexual development and reproductive functions. They play a crucial role in the overall reproductive system of an organism.
Synonyms
reproductive organ, sex gland
Examples of usage
- The testes are the male gonads responsible for sperm production.
- Ovaries are the female gonads that produce eggs.
- In some species, gonads can change function depending on environmental conditions.
Translations
Translations of the word "gonad" in other languages:
🇵🇹 gónada
🇮🇳 गोनाड
🇩🇪 Gonade
🇮🇩 gonad
🇺🇦 гонада
🇵🇱 gonada
🇯🇵 生殖腺 (せいしょくせん)
🇫🇷 glande
🇪🇸 gonada
🇹🇷 gonad
🇰🇷 생식선
🇸🇦 غدة تناسلية
🇨🇿 gonáda
🇸🇰 gonáda
🇨🇳 性腺
🇸🇮 gonada
🇮🇸 kynkirtill
🇰🇿 гонода
🇬🇪 გონადა
🇦🇿 gonad
🇲🇽 gonada
Etymology
The term 'gonad' originates from the Greek word 'gonades,' which means 'generative' or 'reproductive.' This term is derived from 'gone,' meaning 'generation' or 'birth.' The usage of the word in biological contexts can be traced back to the late 19th century, as the study of reproductive biology advanced. Initially, the term was utilized to refer to the glands associated with the sexual organs, but over time, it evolved to encompass all types of reproductive organs in both plants and animals. The understanding of gonads has expanded significantly in modern biology, leading to deeper insights into human and animal reproduction, development, and the roles hormones play in sexual differentiation.