What is the name of the cell that supports and nourishes developing sperm in the seminiferous tubules?

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Inside the seminiferous tubules, the cells that support and nourish developing sperm are Sertoli cells. These tall, nurse-like cells span from the basement membrane to the lumen and create a protective, nourishing environment for germ cells at every stage of spermatogenesis. They provide nutrients and signaling cues, help form the blood-testis barrier to shield developing cells from the immune system, and regulate the chemical milieu by secreting factors such as androgen-binding protein to keep testosterone at effective levels in the tubule. They also respond to hormonal signals, aid in the removal of excess cytoplasm as sperm mature, and help coordinate the progression from stem cells to mature sperm. Leydig cells, by contrast, reside in the tissue surrounding the tubules and mainly produce testosterone. Spermatogonia are the initial stem cells that begin the process, and spermatids are later-stage cells transitioning toward becoming mature sperm.