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Leydig cells, responsible for the secretion of the male sex hormones, are the principle cell type found in the connective tissue between seminiferous tubules. Leydig cells (arrow) occur singly or in clumps and are closely associated with rich plexuses of blood and lymph capillaries which surround the seminiferous tubules. They usually have and extensive eosinophilic cytoplasm containing variable numbers of lipid vacuoles. Leydig cells secrete testosterone, which is responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics and for the continued function of the seminiferous epithelium. |
