Since the late 1960s, there has been an acceleration of research focused on understanding how the efferent ducts, the epididymis, and the vas deferens function with respect to the maturation and storage of spermatozoa and as hormone dependent tissues. Another major interest in the epididymis is that it is an attractive target for the development of male contraceptives. There are well over 16,000 peer reviewed articles in the literature on these tissues, their structure, gene expression, protein synthesis and function. Regular international meetings have been initiated that are dedicated to this field. Thus, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive reference volume that spans every facet of epididymal biology, from historical background to the most current results, from basic cell and molecular biology to clinical issues. Well-established experts from every part of the world have contributed to this volume. By necessity, each author was given page limitations so that many topics are not dealt with exhaustively. Whenever possible, references to more comprehensive discussion of specific topics are included.

Preface. The Testicular Excurrent Duct System: A Historical Outlook; D.W. Hamilton. Evolution of the Vertebrate Epididymis; R.C. Jones. Innervation and Vasculature of the Excurrent Duct System; B.P. Setchell. The Epithelium of the Excurrent Duct System. The Efferent Ductules: Structure and Functions; R.A. Hess. Epididymal Cell Types and their Functions; L. Hermo, B. Robaire. Cellular Interactions and the Blood-Epididymal Barrier; D.G. Cyr, et al. Formation of the Epididymal Fluid Microenvironment; P.Y.D. Wong, et al. Necessity''s Potion: Inorganic Ions and Small Organic Molecules in the Epididymal Lumen; T.T. Turner. Protein Secretion in the Epididymus; J.-L. Dacheux, F. Dacheux. Gene Expression and Epididymal Functions; G.A. Cornwall, et al. Specific Gene Expression in the Human and Non-Human Primate Epididymis; C. Kirchhoff. Interactions of the Immune System and the Epididymis; V. Serre, B. Robaire. The Structural Organization and Functions of the Epithelium of the Vas Deferens; L. Hermo, et al. Development and Aging. The Development of the Epididymis; C.M. Rodríguez, et al. Homeobox Genes and the Male Reproductive System; M. Rao, M.F. Wilkinson. Aging of the Epididymis; B. Robaire. Hormonal Regulation and Effects of Toxicants. Androgenic Regulated of the Structure and Functions of the Epididymis; N. Ezer, B. Robaire. The Role of Estrogens in the Endocrine and Paracrine Regulation of the Efferent Ductules, Epididymis and Vas Deferens; R.A. Hess, et al. Retinoids and Epididymal Function; M.-C. Orgebin-Crist, et al. Actions of Toxicants on the Structure and Function of the Epididymis; G.R. Klinefelter. Changes in Spermatozoa During Epididymal Transit. Structural Differentiation of Spermatozoa During Post-Testicular Maturation; G.E. Olson, et al. Changes in Sperm Proteins During Epididymal Maturation; P.S. Cuasnicu, et al. Plasma Membrane Composition and Organisation During Maturation of Spermatozoa in the Epididymis; R. Jones. Acquisition and Development of Sperm Motility upon Maturation in the Epididymis; C.-H. Yeung, T.G. Cooper. Active Oxygen in Spermatozoa During Epididymal Transit; R.J. Aitken. Novel Technological Approaches. Cell and Organ Epididymal Cultures; H.D.M. Moore. Smart Use of Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) to Characterize Sperm Motion; S.D. Perreault. Clinical Considerations. Management of Epididymal Dysfunction: Correlation with Basic Physiology; R. Schoysman. The Epididymis as a Target for Male Contraception; T.G. Cooper. Consequences of Obstruction on the Epididymis; C.J. Flickinger, S.S. Howards. Infertility, ICSI and the Epididymis; P. Patrizio, A.-H. Amin. Epididymitis and Other Inflammatory Conditions of the Male Excurrent Ductal System; P.T.K. Chan, P.N. Schlegel. Cancer of the Epididymis; I.J. Okazaki, J.L. Pryor. Author Index.