Question

Blood testes barrier formed by

• A. Seminal vesicle
• B. Leydig cell
• C. Sertoli cell
• D. Interstitial cell

Hint:

Sertoli cells are also referred to as "nurse cells" because they support, nourish, protect, and regulate the development of spermatogenic cells.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a physical barrier in the seminiferous tubules that prevents the passage of large molecules and immune cells from the blood into the lumen of the tubules.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The blood-testis barrier is formed by specialized tight junctions (occludens junctions) between adjacent Sertoli cells near the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules.
These junctions divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal compartment and an adluminal compartment.
This compartmentalization protects developing haploid male gametes (which present foreign antigens to the host's immune system) from autoimmune attack, ensuring normal spermatogenesis.
- Leydig cells Interstitial cells produce testosterone and lie outside the tubules, playing no part in forming the barrier.
- Seminal vesicles are accessory sex glands and are anatomically distinct from the testis.

Step 4: Final Answer
The blood-testis barrier is formed by the tight junctions of Sertoli cells.