Spermiogenesis in Nautilus pompilius. II. Sertoli cell-spermatid junctional complexes.
A "ball and socket-like" junction between branches of the Sertoli cells and the developing spermatids is described. A cytoplasmic extension of the Sertoli cell fits into a pocket in the spermatid and has a constricted neck region. Frequently there are large multivesiculate bodies in the Sertoli cell extension and small vesicles frequently appear in the spermatid cytoplasm, in the area of the "ball and socket-like" junction. This suggests the possibility that there may be communication of materials between the two cells. The possible function of the junctions is discussed and it is concluded that they more likely have a role in nutrition than in coordination.
D000818:Animals; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008974:Mollusca / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013087:Spermatids / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure*