Sertoli Cells

Question 1

Sertoli cells surround developing cells and nourish which cells until they mature?

Answer 1

Spermatids or haploid sperm cells.

Question 2

What are the functions of sertoli cells?

Answer 2

• Nourish spermatids (haploid sperm cells)
• Blood-testis barrier: between the blood and seminiferous tubules to control entry and exit of hormones, nutrients and other chemicals (protects the sperm cells)
• under the influence of testosterone, the Sertoli cells will phagocytize the unnecessary cytoplasm and organelles in the spermatids

Question 3

What happens when the blood-testis barrier is damaged?

Answer 3

Potential for sperm antibodies to develop, resulting in infertility.

Question 4

What hormone is released by the Sertoli cells to prevent the sperm cell count from getting too high?

Answer 4

Inhibin, which inhibits the production of FSH by the anterior pituitary gland. It does so by interacting with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.