Question

Sertoli cells provide nutrition to sperm mainly in form of

• A. Glucose
• B. Fat
• C. Glycogen
• D. Protein

Answer 1

The correct option is C Glycogen

During its development, most of the sperm's cytoplasm is discarded and is phagocytosed by the large Sertoli cells, that ring the fluid-filled lumen of the seminiferous tubule. These cells provide nutrients for the developing sperm cells. Sertoli cells also secrete hormones and other signalling molecules. Sertoli cells are large complex glycogen containing cells, that stretch from the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubule to the lumen.

Sertoli cells are joined to one another by tight junctions at a place just within the outer membrane of the tubule. Together, Sertoli cells form a barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the tubule and interfering with spermatogenesis. This barrier also prevents sperm from passing out of the tubule into the blood, where they could stimulate an immune response. The tight junctions between Sertoli cells form compartments that separate sperm cells in various stages of development.