Sustentacular cell

Micrograph highlighting the sustentacular cells in a paraganglioma. S100 immunostain.

A sustentacular cell is a type of cell primarily associated with structural support.

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.

Another type of sustentacular cell is found in the olfactory epithelium. The organ of Corti in the inner ear and taste buds also contain sustentacular cells.

Another type of sustentacular cell is found with glomus cells of the carotid and aortic bodies.

About 40% of carcinoids have a scattering of sustentacular cells, which stain positive for S-100.

Sustentacular cells are supporting cells of the seminiferous tubules of the testis, responsible for the differentiation of spermatids, the maintenance of the blood-testis barrier, and the secretion of inhibin, androgen-binding protein, and Mullerian-inhibiting factor.