Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Each testis has about 250 compartments called testicular lobules. Each testicular lobule contains one to three highly coiled seminiferous tubules. Wall of seminiferous tubules is formed by a single layer of germinal epithelium. Most cells in this epithelium are cuboidal spermatogonia and at certain places there are present Sertoli cells. The cuboidal cells undergo mitosis to produce spermatogonia. Spermatogonia grow into primary spermatocytes which undergo meiosis producing haploid cells called secondary spermatocytes and then spermatids. Spermatids convert to spermatozoa (sperm). They undergo spermatogenesis to produce sperm.
Sertoli cells – They are present in between the germinal epithelium cells of seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells are found single and are elongated. They provide nourishment to the sperms. Sertoli cells secrete androgen binding protein (ABP). Sertoli cells also secrete another protein called inhibin.
Leydig cells - Leydig cells or interstitial cells are small groups of rounded cells present outside the seminiferous tubules in the interstitial spaces which contain small blood vessels in it and contain interstitial cells. They secrete male sex hormones or androgens, e.g., testosterone. Testosterone controls the development of secondary sexual characters in males.
Importance of Leydig's cells
Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle. They produce testosterone
in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH).