Question

Sertoli cells are found in testis. These cells are
(a) nurse cells
(b) Reproductive cells
(c ) Receptor cells
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Sertoli cells form a crucial microenvironment for the production of spermatozoa in the process of spermatogenesis.

Complete answer:
Sertoli cells are commonly known as nurse cells, situated in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Within the seminiferous tubules, these large cells are interspersed with spermatogonia and extend from the periphery of the tubules to the lumen. The function ranges from providing nutrition to providing structural support to sperms.

Additional Information:
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, but some of these cells divide by meiosis to form primary spermatocytes. These spermatozoa on further divisions give birth to spermatozoal cells which are sperms or male gametes in males. Upon maturity, these are discharged into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells support and nourish other cells. In the process of differentiation into spermatozoa, most of the spermatid cytoplasm is discarded as residual bodies, which are phagocytosed by Sertoli cells. They also secrete essential hormones such as
-Inhibin: It keeps in check the increase of testosterone in the testis.
-androgen-binding-protein (ABP) – It helps to maintain the high concentration of testosterone, required for spermatogenesis to occur.

So, the correct answer is ‘nurse cells.’

Fig-Sertoli cells

Note: FSH hormone checks the proliferation of the number of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. It also induces Sertoli cells to release ABP( Androgen binding protein). FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone is a pituitary gland hormone discharged from the anterior pituitary. Testosterone is secreted by Leydig cells located between the seminiferous tubules.