PHYSIOLOGY OF EPIDIDYMIS AND ITS PROBLEMS

The authors review first macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the ep ididymis. They insist on the labyrint-like structure of the efferent t ubules composing part of the caput and they do detail the cellular typ es lining the epididymal tubules. Furthermore, they detail the epididy mal functions both with regard to the epithelium as to the luminal com partment. The epithelium has mainly a function of absorption and secre tions. In the luminal compartment the spermatozoon is the most importa nt element: it undergoes morphological changes all along the transit, correlated with development of fertilizing capacity. The epididymis is regulated mainly by androgens. An extensive bibliography completes th e aforesaid survey.