On histological examination of the testis, a biopsy shows large cells with clear cytoplasm arranged in tubules, without spermatogenic cells, and only Sertoli cells are present. This 'Sertoli-cell-only' pattern suggests absence of which cell lineage?

• A Primordial germ cells (derived from yolk sac endoderm) ✓
• B Leydig cells (derived from mesenchyme)
• C Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells (derived from coelomic epithelium)
• D Myoid peritubular cells

Explanation

Primordial germ cells originate in the wall of the yolk sac near the allantois and migrate via the hindgut mesentery to colonize the gonadal ridges by week 6. If this migration fails or these cells fail to survive, the seminiferous tubules are lined only by Sertoli cells (derived from the coelomic epithelium of the gonadal ridge) — a histological pattern called Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (Del Castillo syndrome). Leydig cells, which produce testosterone, are unaffected and are still present in the interstitium.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.