Sustentacular cell
Structural and metabolic support cell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A sustentacular cell is a type of cell primarily associated with structural support, they can be found in various tissues.[1]
- Sustentacular cells of the olfactory epithelium (also called supporting cells or Sertoli cells) have been shown to be involved in the phagocytosis of dead neurons,[2] odorant transformation[3] and xenobiotic metabolism.[4]
- One type of sustentacular cell is the Sertoli cell, in the testicle. It is located in the walls of the seminiferous tubules and supplies nutrients to sperm.[5] They are responsible for the differentiation of spermatids, the maintenance of the blood-testis barrier, and the secretion of inhibin, androgen-binding protein and Müllerian-inhibiting factor.[citation needed]
- The organ of Corti in the inner ear and taste buds also contain sustentacular cells.[citation needed]
- Another type of sustentacular cell is found with glomus cells of the carotid and aortic bodies.[citation needed]
- About 40% of carcinoids have a scattering of sustentacular cells, which stain positive for S-100.[6]
