[The Sertoli cell]

The Sertoli cell is essential for the formation and functioning of the testis. This is the first cell to differentiate into the initially bipotential genital ridge and is the only somatic cell present in seminiferous tubules. Maturation involves the loss of proliferative capacity, formation of intercellular tight junctions and the appearance of some specific markers. We can consider schematically two distinct roles associated with different features: a process of sexual differentiation with testicular formation and a role in spermatogenesis allowing the germ cells progression into sperm through close contact in the seminiferous tubules. These events, separated in time, are in fact intimately linked.