[Physiology and disorders of the epididymis]

The authors review first macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the epididymis. They insist on the labyrinth-like structure of the efferent tubules composing part of the caput and they do detail the cellular types lining the epididymal tubules. Furthermore, they detail the epididymal functions both with regard to the epithelium as to the luminal compartment. The epithelium has mainly a function of absorption and secretions. In the luminal compartment the spermatozoon is the most important 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 the aforesaid survey.