8 Questions
Which cells are stimulated by LH to produce testosterone?
Leydig cells
What role does the androgen binding protein (ABP) play in spermatogenesis?
It binds to testosterone, making it more soluble and concentrated in Sertoli cells.
Which hormone is responsible for stimulating differentiation of germ cells?
FSH
What occurs when there is an increase in the level of free testosterone?
Inhibition of LH secretion
Which cells produce the inhibin protein that causes inhibition of FSH secretion?
Sertoli cells
Where are spermatogonia and more differentiated germ cells located?
In the seminiferous tubules
What is the main role of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis?
Providing media required for germ cell differentiation and maturation
Which cells are found in the interstitial tissue of the testes?
Leydig cells
Study Notes
Functions of Testes
- Produce mature sperms
- Produce hormones, mainly testosterone
Cells Involved in Testicular Functions
- Spermatogonia and differentiated germ cells:
- Present in seminiferous tubules
- Differentiate and mature under the effect of FSH
- Leydig cells:
- Present in interstitial tissue
- Produce testicular hormones, mainly testosterone, under the effect of LH
- Sertoli cells:
- Present at the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules
- Provide media for germ cells differentiation and maturation
- Secrete androgen binding protein (ABP) under the effect of FSH
- ABP makes testosterone more water soluble and concentrated in Sertoli cells
- ABP is responsible for sperm maturation
Spermatogenesis
- Requires Testosterone, ABP, FSH, and LH
Control of Testicular Function
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis:
- Regulates testicular function
- Involves production of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH)
- Gn-RH stimulates anterior pituitary to produce FSH and LH
- FSH:
- Stimulates differentiation of germ cells
- Stimulates function of Sertoli cells
- LH:
- Stimulates Leydig cells to produce hormones, mainly testosterone
Negative Feedback Inhibition
- Increase in free testosterone:
- Inhibits LH secretion
- Inhibin:
- Produced by Sertoli cells
- Inhibits FSH secretion
Understand the dual functions of testes, including sperm production and hormone production, and the role of different cells in this process.
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