Why Are Testicles Located Outside the Body?
They are enclosed in a sac called the scrotum, a flexible pouch of skin and muscle located below the penis.
Unlike most organs, the testicles are positioned outside the abdominal cavity.
This external placement helps regulate temperature, which is essential for healthy sperm production.
Sperm develop best at a temperature slightly lower than normal body temperature (about 2–4°C lower).
If the testicles were inside the abdomen, body heat could impair sperm production and fertility.
The scrotum acts as a natural climate-control system.
The cremaster muscle raises the testicles closer to the body in cold conditions and lowers them when it is warm.
This constant adjustment helps maintain an optimal environment for reproductive health.
🔹 Why Does Even a Minor Injury Cause Severe Pain
The testicles are among the most sensitive organs in the male body.
They contain a very high concentration of nerve endings.
Because so many nerves are packed into a small area, even a light impact can cause intense pain.
Unlike other organs, they are not protected by bones or thick layers of muscle.
This lack of heavy protection makes them more vulnerable to direct injury.
The outer scrotal skin is elastic and allows slight movement to absorb minor shocks.
Inside, a tough covering called the tunica albuginea provides structural support.
However, these protective features cannot completely prevent pain from trauma.
🔹 Why Is Pain Sometimes Felt in the Abdomen?
After a testicular injury, pain may spread to the lower abdomen or back.
This is known as referred pain.
During fetal development, the testicles form inside the abdomen before descending into the scrotum.
Some of their nerve connections remain linked to the abdominal region.
As a result, the brain may interpret injury signals as abdominal discomfort.
This can also cause nausea or a sick feeling.
Overall, the testicles hang outside the body to support fertility, but their sensitive structure explains why even minor injuries can feel extremely painful.