Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

teratoma
A type of germ cell tumor that may con-
tain several different types of tissue and sometimes
mature elements such as hair, muscle, and bone.
Teratomas occur most often in the ovary, testis, and
in the sacrococcygeal region (near the tailbone) in
children. A teratoma may be benign or malignant.
See also 
ovarian teratoma.
teratoma, ovarian
See 
ovarian teratoma.
teres minor muscle
A muscle that assists the
lifting of the arm during outward turning (external
rotation). The tendon of the teres minor muscle is
one of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint
and constitute the rotator cuff.
terminal ileitis
See 
Crohn’s disease.
test 1
An assay or examination.
2
A significant
chemical reaction.
3
A reagent for a specific test.
For specific tests, please see their alphabetical
listings.
testes
Plural of testis.
417
testes
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testicle
See 
testis.
testicular cancer
See 
cancer, testicular.
testicular feminization syndrome
See 
com-
plete androgen insensitivity syndrome.
testicular self-examination
A procedure for
detecting the early signs of testicular cancer.
Monthly, men should check the testes visually for
new swelling or other changes on the skin of the
scrotum, roll each testicle between thumb and fin-
gers to detect internal growths, and check the cord
(epididymis) on the top and back of each testicle
for growths. A warm bath or shower relaxes the
scrotum, making examination easier. Early detec-
tion of testicular cancer greatly improves the likeli-
hood of successful treatment. See also 
cancer,
testicular.
testis
The male sex gland, located behind the penis
in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testes pro-
duce and store sperm and are also the body’s main
source of male hormones, such as testosterone.
These hormones control the development of the
reproductive organs and other male characteristics,
such as body and facial hair, low voice, and wide
shoulders. Also known as testicle.
testosterone
The principal androgenic hormone
produced by the testes. Testosterone is made by the
testes in response to luteinizing hormone from the
pituitary gland. Androgens promote the develop-
ment of adult male sex characteristics, such as deep
voice; they strengthen muscle and bone mass; and
they stimulate spermatogenesis, the production of
sperm. High levels of testosterone appear to pro-
mote good health in men, lowering the risk of high
blood pressure and heart attack, for example. High
testosterone levels may also correlate with risky
behavior, however, including increased aggressive-
ness and smoking, which may cancel out these
health benefits. See also 
androgen; testosterone
replacement therapy.