Androgen hormone is secreted by:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Interstitial cells

(1) Sertoli cells — Incorrect. These cells lie inside the seminiferous tubules. They give nutrition to the germ cells and help in the formation of sperms. They do not make androgens.

(2) Interstitial cells — Correct. The interstitial cells, or Leydig cells, lie in the spaces outside the seminiferous tubules. They make and release the testicular hormones called androgens, such as testosterone.

(3) Male germ cells — Incorrect. The male germ cells (spermatogonia) divide by mitosis and meiosis to give sperms. They are not hormone-secreting cells.

(4) Spermatids — Incorrect. A spermatid is a haploid cell that changes into a sperm. It does not secrete a 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.”