Ependymal Cells

Definition

Ependymal cells are a type of glial cell found lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. They play a crucial role in the circulation and protection of cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds and cushions the central nervous system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ependymal cells have a specialized cuboidal or columnar shape and possess cilia that help circulate the cerebrospinal fluid.
2. They form a continuous layer lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
3. Ependymal cells play a role in the production, circulation, and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid, which helps maintain homeostasis in the central nervous system.
4. Dysfunction or damage to ependymal cells can lead to conditions like hydrocephalus, where excessive cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain.
5. Ependymal cells also have a barrier function, regulating the movement of substances between the cerebrospinal fluid and the surrounding neural tissue.

Review Questions

• Describe the location and function of ependymal cells within the nervous system.
  • Ependymal cells are a type of glial cell that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Their primary function is to produce, circulate, and reabsorb cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds and cushions the central nervous system. The cilia on the surface of ependymal cells help to facilitate the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, maintaining homeostasis and protecting the delicate neural tissue.
• Explain how the barrier function of ependymal cells contributes to the protection of the central nervous system.
  • Ependymal cells form a continuous layer that separates the cerebrospinal fluid from the surrounding neural tissue. This barrier function regulates the movement of substances, such as ions, nutrients, and waste products, between the cerebrospinal fluid and the brain and spinal cord. By controlling the exchange of materials, ependymal cells help maintain the optimal chemical environment for proper neuronal function and protect the central nervous system from potential harmful substances.
• Discuss the consequences of ependymal cell dysfunction or damage, and how this can impact the central nervous system.
  • Disruption or damage to ependymal cells can lead to serious conditions, such as hydrocephalus, where excessive cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. This increased fluid pressure can cause the ventricles to enlarge, leading to compression of neural tissue and potentially causing neurological symptoms, such as headaches, vision problems, and cognitive impairments. Ependymal cell dysfunction can also impair the production, circulation, and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid, further disrupting the delicate balance and homeostasis of the central nervous system.

Related terms

Glial Cells: Non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system that provide support and protection for neurons.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): The clear fluid that circulates through the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, providing cushioning and protection for the central nervous system.

Ventricles: The cavities within the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid.