We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Sertoli Cell?

By Katriena Knights
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 32,895
Share

A Sertoli cell is a highly specialized cell found in the testes. It plays an important role in the development and maturation of sperm cells, or spermatozoa, within the testes, a process called spermatogenesis. Because a Sertoli cell functions largely to assist the developing sperm cells through their maturation process, it sometimes is referred to as a nurse cell. In addition to secreting numerous important hormones and other substances to trigger proper development, a Sertoli cell also consumes excess material left behind after the sperm cells have completed development. Another function of a Sertoli cell is to control the movement of hormones, nutrients and chemicals into the seminiferous tubules.

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that begins in the seminiferous tubule, a structure within the testicle. Sertoli cells are produced within this structure and line the interior of the tubules. They are activated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which interacts with the FSH-receptors on Sertoli cells. The full process of spermatogenesis takes about 64 days in the human male. During the course of the development of the spermatozoa, the Sertoli cell triggers several phases of growth by excreting certain substances. For example, spermatogenesis begins when Sertoli cells secrete a protein to increase the concentration of testosterone in the seminiferous tubules.

Puberty triggers the beginning of spermatogenesis, and the process continues throughout a male's lifetime. Overall production of spermatozoa tends to decrease with age but, in a healthy individual, never stops. The number of available spermatozoa, their motility and the individual's overall fertility are determined by the efficiency and proper functioning of spermatogenesis. During spermatogenesis, the germ cells, which are the cells from which mature sperm eventually grow, actually travel along Sertoli cells as their development progresses.

One form of infertility specifically related to the Sertoli cell is Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. In this condition, the seminiferous tubules contain only Sertoli cells, making it impossible for the testes to produce sperm. The condition typically is diagnosed when men who are concerned about their fertility are tested and shown to have no sperm in their ejaculate. Sertoli-cell-only syndrome is very rare, and the cause is unknown.

Sertoli cells are not capable of reproducing themselves, and after spermatogenesis begins in an adolescent male, no more Sertoli cells are produced by the body. Techniques have been developed, however, to grow the cells in laboratory conditions. Some forms of human infertility might be treatable through the use of these cells.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By SmartCooky — On Jun 16, 2011

It's interesting that sertoli cells do not reproduce themselves. Are they the only kind of cell that do this? Is it known how they don't reproduce? Is it absence of any particular component or do sertoli cells just know"?

By bigbellies — On Jun 15, 2011

You mention the infertility that can occur due to Sertoli cells, because the testes cannot produce sperm--but what happens if there are too few Sertoli cells?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-sertoli-cell.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.