Sertoli cells produce which two substances?

• A. Sperm and inhibin
• B. Testosterone and inhibin
• C. Sperm and testosterone
• D. Estrogen and progesterone

Answer: (A)

Sertoli cells are the nurturing cells inside the seminiferous tubules, and their secretions regulate spermatogenesis. The two main substances they produce are inhibin and androgen-binding protein (ABP). Inhibin provides negative feedback to the pituitary to lower FSH and help control the rate of sperm production. ABP binds and concentrates testosterone within the tubules, creating a high local testosterone environment that supports the development of sperm.

Sperm themselves are not secreted by Sertoli cells; they are produced by the germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis with Sertoli cells supplying support and nourishment. Testosterone is produced by Leydig cells, not Sertoli cells. Estrogen and progesterone aren’t primary products of Sertoli cells in the male testis either.

So, the key Sertoli-cell products to remember are inhibin and ABP, with sperm production arising from germ cells under that supportive environment.