Question

Write the location and function of the following in human testes:
(a) Sertoli cells
(b) Leydig cells

Answer 1

Hint: Testes are the organs responsible for the production of sperm in males and also help in maintaining the health of the male reproductive system.

Complete answer:
Before we know about sertoli cells and leydig cells, let us know more about testes. A pair of testes is present inside the scrotum. Each testes is made up of 250 testicular lobules and the sperms are produced inside the seminiferous tubules.
(a) Sertoli cells are located inside the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, whereas the leydig cells are located within the connective tissue that surrounds the seminiferous tubule.
The sertoli cells are also called supporting cells and they are responsible for providing nutrition to the spermatozoa as well as in the creation of a hemato-testicular barrier.

(b) The leydig cells are responsible for the production of the male androgen testosterone under the influence of hormonal signal of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

Additional information: Spermatogenesis is the process by which sperms are produced and it begins at puberty. During the process, increases secretion of GnRH is seen from the hypothalamus which in turn stimulates the pituitary glands to secrete LH or Luteinizing Hormone and FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Note: The male reproductive system is made up of three parts,
1. Testes - It is involved in sperm production and is made up of two types of cells - sertoli cells and spermatogonia.
2. Glands - There are three types of glands present - 2 seminal vesicles, 1 prostate gland and bulbourethral glands.
3. Accessory ducts - It included epididymis, vas deferens, rete testis and vasa deferentia.