Histology, Sertoli Cell

Excerpt

Sertoli cells are present in the seminiferous tubules of the male gonads, the testes. They were first observed in 1865 by a young Italian physician Enrico Sertoli, and are named after him. Sertoli cells comprise one of the 2 types of cells in the germinal epithelium, the other being of the spermatogonia lineage. Sertoli cells are one of the most important cells necessary for sperm production in men. They are often identifiable as big, tightly linked cells near the basolateral portion of the seminiferous tubule. They are also known as sustentacular cells of Sertoli and are the nursemaid cells of the primary spermatogonia. See Image. Histology of Testes.

Sertoli cells help to facilitate the process of spermiogenesis and, thus, the production of viable sperm. Sertoli cells also secrete a myriad of vital molecules, including androgen binding protein (ABP), inhibin B, and activin. These secretions facilitate spermatogenesis directly or indirectly via a hormonal negative feedback system. Sertoli cells also respond to pituitary hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to begin the process of spermatogenesis, supplementing the adjacent spermatogonia. Sertoli cells are so important that their mere absence in the testes can lead to infertility in adult men even though the production of sperm is normal.