Question
Question: The male sex hormone testosterone is secreted by A. Vas deferens B. Epididymis C. Leydig’s ce...
The male sex hormone testosterone is secreted by
A. Vas deferens
B. Epididymis
C. Leydig’s cell
D. Prostate gland
Solution
The cells secreting testosterone are also known as 'Interstitial cells' and they remain located adjacent to the seminiferous tubules within the testes. The main function of these cells is to supply androgen and testosterone under the pulsatile control of the hormone Luteinizing hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland.
Complete answer: Testosterone is the primary steroid hormone secreted in males. In males, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive organs like testes and prostate. It also promotes secondary sexual characteristics. Leydig cells also referred to as interstitial cells, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules within the testicle. Leydig cells are polyhedral in shape and have an outsized prominent nucleus, an eosinophilic cytoplasm and various lipid-filled vesicles. The nucleus contains one to three prominent nucleoli and enormous amounts of dark-stained peripheral heterochromatin. They produce testosterone as directed by the release of Luteinizing hormone (LH). The cholesterol is employed within the initiative of testosterone production. The production of spermatozoa and secretion from the accessory sex glands are regulated by testosterone. The event and maturation of Leydig cells are dynamic which involves interaction between hormones and various additional factors.
So, the correct answer is option C.
Note: Testosterone is produced by the gonads, i.e. Leydig cells in testes and by ovaries in women, although small quantities also are produced by the adrenal glands in both sexes. These cells are polyhedral with a single ovoid nucleus located eccentrically.