Biology · Chemical Coordination and Integration · NEET
The Leydig cells, also called interstitial cells. They lie in the intertubular spaces (stromal tissue) between the seminiferous tubules. NCERT names them clearly, so questions often use both terms 'Leydig cells' and 'interstitial cells' for the same cells.
Leydig (interstitial) cells sit OUTSIDE the seminiferous tubules and make androgens (testosterone) under LH. Sertoli cells sit INSIDE the tubules and support spermiogenesis under FSH. Trap: FSH acts on Sertoli cells in males, not on Leydig cells.
LH stimulates the synthesis and secretion of androgens from the testis (Leydig cells). FSH plus androgens then regulate spermatogenesis. So the direct trigger for testosterone is LH, not FSH.
Testosterone is a STEROID hormone. NCERT lists cortisol, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone as steroids. Since it is a steroid, it enters the cell and acts through intracellular receptors, not membrane second messengers.
Not exactly. Androgens are a GROUP of male hormones; testosterone is the MAIN one. NCERT says Leydig cells 'produce a group of hormones called androgens mainly testosterone', so testosterone is one member of the androgen group.
They develop and maintain male accessory sex organs (epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, urethra), stimulate muscular growth, facial and axillary hair, aggressiveness and low-pitched voice, drive spermatogenesis, influence male sexual behaviour (libido), and have anabolic effects on protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
Which of the following is not a steroid hormone?
Assertion A: FSH acts upon ovarian follicles in female and Leydig cells in male. Reason R: Growing ovarian follicles secrete estrogen in female while interstitial cells secrete androgen in male. Choose the correct answer.
Arrange the sequence of hormones during gametogenesis: (A) LH stimulates synthesis and secretion of Androgen (B) GnRH from hypothalamus (C) Androgen stimulates spermatogenesis (D) FSH helps in spermiogenesis (E) Gonadotropins from anterior pituitary. Choose the correct order.
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
It is a primary sex organ because its seminiferous tubules produce sperm, and an endocrine gland because its Leydig cells secrete androgens (testosterone) into the blood. NCERT calls this its 'dual function'.
Androgens act on male accessory sex organs (epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, urethra), on the central nervous system for male behaviour, and support spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules.
Being a lipid-soluble steroid, testosterone crosses the cell membrane and binds intracellular receptors, forming a hormone-receptor complex that acts on DNA to regulate gene expression and protein synthesis.
Yes. NCERT states androgens play a major stimulatory role in spermatogenesis, and FSH together with androgens regulates it. So testosterone is essential for normal sperm formation.
