Which among the following synthesise and secrete testicular hormones called androgens?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Leydig cells
Androgens are the male sex hormones. They are made by the Leydig cells (interstitial cells), which lie in the spaces between the seminiferous tubules, not inside them. LH from the pituitary acts on the Leydig cells and starts this. Sertoli cells, inside the tubules, nourish the germ cells; the germ cells (spermatogonia) divide to form sperms. Neither makes androgens.
The vasa efferentia are ducts that carry sperms from the rete testis to the epididymis; they make no hormone.
NCERT Extract:
The Male Reproductive System – “… Each seminiferous tubule is lined on its inside by two types of cells called male germ cells (spermatogonia) and Sertoli cells (Figure 2.2). The male germ cells undergo meiotic divisions finally leading to sperm formation, while Sertoli cells provide nutrition to the germ cells. The regions outside the seminiferous tubules called interstitial spaces, contain small blood vessels and interstitial cells or Leydig cells (Figure 2.2). Leydig cells synthesise and secrete testicular hormones called androgens.”
Figure 2.2 Diagrammatic sectional view of seminiferous tubule