Sertoli Cells (Sperm Nurse Cells)

Tall cells in tiny tubes

The testes are two body parts in males. Inside them are lots of tiny, coiled tubes.

Sertoli cells are tall cells. Each one stretches from the outer wall of the tube all the way to the middle, like a tree trunk.

Growing sperm cells sit tucked into the sides of each Sertoli cell, like birds in the branches.

A nurse for growing cells

When someone grows up, cells in the tubes slowly change into sperm cells. Sertoli cells help all the way:

• They pass food to the growing cells.
• Neighboring Sertoli cells hold on tight to each other and make a wall that keeps the growing cells safe.
• They clean up leftover bits the growing cells don't need.

Sperm cells carry half of the instructions (DNA) needed to make a baby.

Sertoli cell quiz