Final answer:
Gonads are the primary sex organs in males and females, producing gametes (sperm in males and ovum in females) and secreting sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone that facilitate reproductive functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary sex organs, known as gonads, are responsible for producing sex cells called gametes. In males, these are known as sperm, and in females, they are referred to as ova or eggs. Gonads have an additional endocrine function as they secrete hormones that are crucial in sexual development and reproduction. Specifically, the male gonads or testes produce hormones like testosterone, which aid in secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production. The female gonads, or ovaries, secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which also contribute to secondary sexual characteristics and prepare the body for potential childbirth.