cells found in the walls of the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Compared with the germ cells they appear large and pale. They anchor and probably nourish the developing germ cells, especially the spermatid, which become partly embedded within them. A Sertoli-cell tumour is a rare testicular tumour causing feminization.
E. Sertoli (1842-1910), Italian histologist
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elongated cells in the seminiferous tubules, to which the spermatids become attached; they provide support, protection, and possibly nutrition until the spermatids become transformed into mature spermatozoa. Called also sustentacular c's, nurse or nursing c's, and trophocytes.Medical dictionary. 2011.