Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 May 2016
The study of collimated outflows (COFs) in planetary nebulae (PNe) has experienced vigorous activity since the last IAU symposium on PNe, held in Groningen in 1996, for the understanding of the origin and evolution of these outflows is directly linked to the mechanisms of PN formation. Collimated outflows in planetary nebulae (PNe) have diverse characteristics and are observed as bipolar, multipolar, point-symmetric and jet-like outflows. The Hubble Space Telescope has been instrumental in revealing the complex structure and pervasive presence of COFs in a large number of PNe during the last lustrum. Significant advances have also been achieved in the study of the molecular component associated with these outflows. On the theoretical side, models that incorporate the influence of binary cores and magnetic fields have gained particular strength in explaining the origin of COFs. This review attempts to summarize some of the main progresses in the study of COFs during the last years.