Sertoli cells, akin to
Leydig cells, are of crucial importance in
sperm production and release. They act as bridge cells between
blood vessels and
sperm, providing nourishment to sperm cells.
Physiologically, Sertoli cells are shaped so that they almost entirely encompass sperm cells, allowing nourishment along their lengths. Sertoli cells are also responsible for ingesting extraneous, damaged, and residual matter. In addition to performing lysosomal activities that are part of the normal turnover process of damaged organelles, Sertoli cells digest degenerate sperm cells.