Question

Assertion: The regions outside the seminiferous tubules are called interstitial spaces, which contain Leydig’s cell.
Reason: Leydig’s cells synthesize and secrete testicular hormones called androgens
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and the reason is the correct explanation for assertion
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but the reason is not the correct explanation for assertion
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect

Answer 1

Hint: Development of sperms takes place in long coiled tubules located in the testes. Spaces outside these tubules are occupied by two sets of specialized cells. One of which releases certain factors that are steroidal in nature and induces secondary sexual characters in males at puberty.

Complete answer:
Leydig cells are under the action of ICSH or Interstitial cell-stimulating hormone, which is commonly known as Luteinizing hormone. In males, it is responsible for the growth and development of Leydig cells located in the testes. Leydig cells are located outside the seminiferous tubules which are known as the interstitial spaces. These cells are further responsible for the synthesis and secretion of a class of testicular hormones known as androgens.

Additional Information: -Hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone or GnRH. This hormone acts on the anterior pituitary and stimulates the secretion of LH or ICSH.
-LH further acts on the interstitial cells of Leydig and induces the release of androgens.
-Androgens are steroid hormones that perform the function of the development and maintenance of male characteristics. Testosterone is the major androgen in males.
-Testosterone maintains normal fertility in males, distribution of fat, size, and strength of muscles as well as the production of RBCs.
- Development of secondary sexual characters like the growth of body and facial hair and changes in voice are all a result of increased testosterone production at puberty.
-Sertoli cells in the testes release androgen-binding-protein (ABP) that helps to maintain the high concentration of testosterone, required for spermatogenesis to occur.
So, the correct answer is ‘Both assertion and reason are correct but the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion.’

Note: -The process of spermatogenesis gives rise to sperms in seminiferous tubules from immature germ cells called spermatogonia. They divide by mitosis and to increase their number while some of these cells divide by meiosis to form primary spermatocytes.
-These spermatozoa on further divisions give rise are sperms that are discharged into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules.