Male Hormonal Control & Sertoli Cells

What is the role of the hypothalamus in male hormonal control?

It secretes GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which stimulates the anterior pituitary.

What hormones does the anterior pituitary release for male reproductive function?

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).

What does FSH do in the male reproductive system?

It stimulates sperm production in the seminiferous tubules.

What does LH do in the male reproductive system?

It stimulates Leydig (interstitial) cells to secrete testosterone.

What are the functions of testosterone?

It supports spermatogenesis, secondary sex characteristics, prenatal development, sexual function, and anabolic reactions.

What do Sertoli (sustentacular) cells do?

They support spermatogenesis and form the blood-testis barrier.

How do Sertoli cells support sperm production?

They phagocytize defective sperm, secrete androgen-binding protein (ABP), and produce inhibin and MIS (during development).

What does ABP do in Sertoli cells?

ABP binds testosterone to maintain high local concentrations for spermatogenesis.

What does inhibin do?

Inhibits FSH release to help regulate sperm production.