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Abstract

The adult epididymis is a highly convoluted tubule that performs a variety of functions including sperm protection, maturation, concentration and storage. These functions can only be accomplished following a series of morphological changes that occur during development. These changes result in the development of a single tubule that differs in several regions with respect to morphology, function and gene expression. Therefore, it is not surprising that the development of the epididymis is a highly regulated event and is not yet completely understood. This chapter will attempt to summarize the events that take place leading to the development and differentiation of the adult epididymis. Major key studies will be summarized and important questions that remain unanswered will be addressed.

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Rodríguez, C.M., Kirby, J.L., Hinton, B.T. (2002). The Development of the Epididymis. In: Robaire, B., Hinton, B.T. (eds) The Epididymis: From Molecules to Clinical Practice. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0679-9_14

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