The Epididymis: From Molecules to Clinical Practice

1. The Testicular Excurrent Duct System: A Historical Outlook.- 2. Evolution of the Vertebrate Epididymis.- 3. Innervation and Vasculature of the Excurrent Duct System.- The Epithelium of the Excurrent Duct System.- 4. The Efferent Ductules: Structure and Functions.- 5. Epididymal Cell Types and Their Functions.- 6. Cellular Interactions and the Blood-Epididymal Barrier.- 7. Formation of the Epididymal Fluid Microenvironment.- 8. Necessity’s Potion: Inorganic Ions and Small Organic Molecules in the Epididymal Lumen..- 9. Protein Secretion in the Epididymis.- 10. Gene Expression and Epididymal Function.- 11. Specific Gene Expression in the Human and Non-Human Primate Epididymis.- 12. Interactions of the Immune System and the Epididymis.- 13. The Structural Organization and Functions of the Epithelium of the Vas Deferens.- Development and Aging.- 14. The Development of the Epididymis.- 15. Homeobox Genes and the Male Reproductive System.- 16. Aging of the Epididymis.- Hormonal Regulation and Effects of Toxicants.- 17. Androgenic Regulation of the Structure and Functions of the Epididymis.- 18. The Role of Estrogens in the Endocrine and Paracrine Regulation of the Efferent Ductules, Epididymis and Vas Deferens.- 19. Retinoids and Epididymal Function.- 20. Actions of Toxicants on the Structure and Function of the Epididymis.- Changes in Spermatozoa During Epididymal Transit.- 21. Structural Differentiation of Spermatozoa During Post-Testicular Maturation.- 22. Changes in Sperm Proteins During Epididymal Maturation..- 23. Plasma Membrane Composition and Organisation During Maturation of Spermatozoa in the Epididymis.- 24. Acquisition and Development of Sperm Motility upon Maturation in the Epididymis.- 25. Active Oxygen in Spermatozoa During Epididymal Transit.- NovelTechnological Approaches.- 26. Cell and Organ Epididymal Cultures.- 27. Smart Use of Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) to Characterize Sperm Motion.- Clinical Considerations.- 28. Management of Epididymal Dysfunction: Correlation with Basic Physiology.- 29. The Epididymis as a Target for Male Contraception.- 30. Consequences of Obstruction on the Epididymis.- 31. Infertility, ICSI, and the Epididymis.- 32. Epididymitis and Other Inflammatory Conditions of the Male Excurrent Ductal System.- 33. Cancer of the Epididymis.- Author Index.