Sertoli cell

Sertoli cell
Germinal epithelium of the testicle.
1. basal lamina
2. spermatogonia
3. primary (1st-order) spermatocyte
4. secondary (2nd-order) spermatocyte
5. developing spermatid
6. mature spermatid
7. Sertoli cell
8. tight junction (blood-testis barrier)
Histological section through testicular parenchyma of a boar.
1. lumen of Tubulus seminiferus contortus
2. spermatids
3. spermatocytes
4. spermatogonia
5. Sertoli cell
6. myofibroblasts
7. Leydig cells
8. capillaries
Details
SystemReproductive system
LocationTestes
FunctionProvide nourishment to the developing spermatozoa
Identifiers
MeSHD012708
FMA72298
Anatomical terms of microanatomy

Sertoli cells are a type of sustentacular "nurse" cell found in human testes which contribute to the process of spermatogenesis (the production of sperm) as a structural component of the seminiferous tubules. They are activated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by the adenohypophysis and express FSH receptor on their membranes.