Question

Describe the role of Sertoli cells.

Answer 1

Sertoli cells are called as mother or nurse cells. They act as a phagocytes, consuming the residual cytoplasm during the spermatogenesis from the newly created spermatozoa, just prior to release into the lumen of seminiferous tubules. They keep the germ cells that start the process healthy and nourished.

They stimulate early mitosis and meiosis of the developing spermatozoa and provide them nourishment.

They produce inhibin and mullerian duct inhibiting factor.

They secrete transferrin to transport iron to tubular cells.

The hormone FSH stimulates sertoli cells to secrete androgen- binding protein into the lumen of seminiferous tubules. Binding of testosterone in the lumen provides a local testosterone supply for the developing spermatozoa.