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Do Sertoli Cells Produce Sperm?

Posted on Thu, 17 Dec 2015

Question: Dear Doctor,

When our testis begin producing sperm during puberty, is it due to increase in sertoli cell numbers? Secondly whats the turnover rate of these cells? Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sertoli cells are only supporting cells

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Sertoli cells don't produce sperms . Sperms are produced by layer of germinal epithelium. Sertoli cells only facilitate the sperm development. Sertoli cells are just supporting cells.

The replacement roughly happens every 3 months.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (4 hours later)

Thanks Dr. Koregol,

Another question. Are we born with all the Sertoli/Leydig cells were ever gonna have, or do numbers increase during puberty?

Secondly you mention replacement is every three months - of which, sperm or sertoli?

Many Thanks And Regards

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Replacement

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You are born with certain number of cells and they remain same in regard to volume of testis.

I mentioned replacement of sertoli cells every 3 months.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (53 minutes later)

Thanks again for your valued answer,

If cell number stays the same, then what is responsible for increase in volume of testis in puberty? Do the cells get bigger?

Wishing you all the best
xxxxx

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Increase in cell size

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Increase in cell size leads to increase in testicular volume.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar