Solveeit Logo

Question

Question: Where are the Leydig cells present? What is their role in reproduction?...

Where are the Leydig cells present? What is their role in reproduction?

Explanation

Solution

Leydig cells produce testosterone in luteinizing hormone (LH) presence. It can also be called interstitial cells. The shape of the Leydig cells is polyhedral and consists of a large prominent nucleus, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and various lipid-filled vesicles. They help in puberty and present in the male body.

Complete answer:
The German anatomist Franz Leydig discovered the Leydig cells in 1850.
The interstitial cells which are present adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testes are called Leydig cells. They are like small compartments in the testes called testicular lobules. These cells are surrounded by the seminiferous tubules.
In the testes of males, no other interstitial cells consist of nucleus or cytoplasm so it is very easy to identify Leydig cells.

The main function of Leydig cells in reproduction is the production of androgen and testosterone which is very important for the development of the male reproductive tract. These hormones help in the formation of male reproductive gametes called sperms because of which fertilization during the reproduction process takes place.
The Leydig cells also help in the development of secondary sexual characters.

Additional information:
Leydig cell tumors can also form in the body when they grow uncontrollably. Benign is the common name of these tumors.
Another disease is called Adrenomyeloneuropathy that affects the Leydig cells. In this testosterone in the patient may fall more than the normal levels of LH and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

Note: Leydig cells are present in the male body which helps in the reproduction by secreting and bio synthesizing the male reproductive hormones. They are located in the testes. The higher secretions of Leydig cells may cause more hormone secretion in the body which may cause different diseases. The balance of the hormone should be maintained by the body.