Ependyma (eh-PEN-dih-muh) is a thin membrane lining the fluid-filled spaces in the brain and spinal cord. It is essentially a protective layer composed of specialized cells.
Key Features of Ependyma
- Location: Lines the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
- Composition: Made up of ependymal cells, a type of glial cell.
- Function: Helps regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and forms a barrier between the brain tissue and CSF.
- Cell Type: The ependymal cells that make up the ependyma are a type of glial cell. Glial cells support and protect neurons.
Functionality in Detail
The ependyma plays several crucial roles:
- CSF Circulation: Ependymal cells have cilia (tiny hair-like structures) that help circulate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain and spinal cord.
- Barrier Formation: The ependyma forms a barrier, known as the ependymal barrier, that regulates the exchange of substances between the CSF and the brain tissue.
- Neurogenesis: In some brain regions, ependymal cells act as neural stem cells, capable of generating new neurons and glial cells.
