Leydig Cells

Leydig cells are specialized cells in the testicles of men that produce the male sex hormone testosterone. They are named after the German histologist Franz von Leydig, who first described them in 1850.

Leydig cells belong to the interstitial or stromal cells of the testicles, that is, they are located between the convoluted seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurs. They make up about 20% of the total volume of the testicle.

The main function of Leydig cells is the synthesis and secretion of testosterone. This hormone is necessary for the normal development and functioning of the male reproductive system, and also affects the growth of muscle and bone tissue, the distribution of fat deposits, libido and other processes.

In addition to testosterone, Leydig cells produce small amounts of estrogens, which also play a role in regulating reproductive function.

The work of Leydig cells is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary system with the help of luteinizing hormone, which stimulates the synthesis and secretion of testosterone. Disturbances in the functioning of Leydig cells can lead to the development of hypogonadism and infertility in men.

Leydig cells.

**Leydig cells** form the male reproductive system, which ensures the production of male sex hormones - androgens, without which the appearance and development of secondary male sexual characteristics is impossible, such as an increase in muscle mass, hair growth on the face and body, as well as increased sexual desire . But not only the cells themselves produce male sex hormones - all organs of the male reproductive system are involved in this process, that is, even the male urethra works with their help.

Male sex hormones are produced in small quantities in all organs of the male reproductive system. In Leydig cells, due to the action of certain hormones, the main male sex hormone, testosterone, is produced. In addition to testosterone, Leydig cells produce follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. These substances are necessary to stimulate the activity of Leydig cells, the functioning of all organs of the male reproductive system and to maintain a man’s sexual health. In addition, testosterone is necessary to increase muscle mass and improve skin condition.

The process of formation of female sex hormones is regulated by complex mechanical processes occurring at the hormonal level. The complexity of the mechanisms for the production of female sex hormones lies in the fact that in addition to the Leydig cells necessary for the creation of testosterone, numerous other parts of the body are involved in the functioning of the reproductive system in women. For example, one of the sources of the female sex hormone progesterone is the corpus luteum - these are outgrowths of the walls of the ovaries, under the influence of female germ cells, progestins (female sex hormones). The influence of female sex hormones lasts for almost nine months, until the fertilized egg is released. Then, with the onset of pregnancy, another female hormone is produced - placental. With the termination of pregnancy, the placental hormone is transformed into the male hormone estrogen, which is necessary for the successful functioning of metabolic processes in the body.