What does "gonad/o" refer to in medical terminology?

The term "gonad/o" in medical terminology specifically refers to the sex glands, which include the ovaries in females and the testes in males. These glands are responsible for producing gametes (the eggs and sperm) and hormones such as estrogen and testosterone that play crucial roles in sexual development and reproductive functions. Understanding medical prefixes and suffixes is essential as they provide significant insight into the functions and locations of various anatomical structures. In the context of this question, knowing that "gonad" relates to reproductive organs highlights the importance of these glands in human biology, particularly in discussions surrounding reproduction, endocrinology, and related medical fields.