Seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells

Each lobule contains one to three highly coiled seminiferous tubules in which sperms are produced. Each seminiferous tubule is lined on its inside by two types of cells called male germ cells (spermatogonia) and Sertoli cells (the image below ).

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 (the image above). Leydig cells synthesise and secrete testicular hormones called androgens. Other immunologically competent cells are also present.