In response to FSH, Sertoli cells produce inhibin , which feeds back on the pituitary gland. Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue are targets for LH . In response to LH, they produce testosterone , which influences other cells and organs, and feeds back on the pituitary and hypothalamus. Leydig cells occur in groups in the testicular interstitial tissue near small blood vessels and lymphatics. Like other steroid-producing cells, they contain abundant smooth ER and mitochondria.
Seminiferous tubules open into the short tubuli recti , which empty into the rete testis.
The rete testis is a network of spaces which are lined by simple cuboidal or squamous epithelium. It collects sperm from the seminiferous tubules by way of the straight tubules or tubuli recti. The taller are ciliated cells, while the lower may be absorptive cells. Most of the fluid produced in the seminiferous tubules is absorbed in the efferent ductules and the proximal part of the epididymis. The epididymis is a complex organ with different morphology and function in different regions.