High levels of FGF9 and SOX9 contribute to differentiation of these cells, whose basal ectoplasmic specializations, tight junctions, and desmosomes form a barrier with blood.
These cells contain cytoplasmic Charcot-Bottcher bodies and express the transcription factor ERM. Patients with Carney complex and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome may have large cell calcifying tumors of these cells, which can form small nodules called Pick's adenomas in a condition that may be caused by improper development of the gubernaculum. High levels of FGF9 and SOX9 contribute to differentiation of these cells, whose basal ectoplasmic specializations, tight junctions, and desmosomes form a barrier with blood. They produce anti-Mullerian hormone and secrete (*) androgen-binding protein and inhibin, and their development is directed by SRY. These cells phagocytose residual bodies after acrosome and tail formation in adjacent haploid gametes. For 10 points, name these "nurse" cells that support spermatogenesis in the testicle.
These cells contain cytoplasmic Charcot-Bottcher bodies and express the transcription factor ERM.
Sertoli cells