ependymal cell


e·pen·dy·mal cell

a cell of the simple cuboidal to low columnar epithelium lining the central canal of the spinal cord or one of the brain ventricles.

e·pen·dy·mal cell

(ĕ-pen'di-măl sel) A cell lining the central canal of the spinal cord (those of pyramidal shape) or one of the brain ventricles (those of cuboidal shape).

ependymal cell

Any of the epithelial cells that form a one-cell-thick layer lining the ventricles and the central canal of the central nervous system. The ventricular (apical) surfaces of many ependymal cells are covered with cilia or microvilli. In most places, the ependymal layer does not have a basal lamina. Specialized regions of ependymal cells include the covering of the blood vessels and loose connective tissue of the choroid plexuses; here, the ependyma is specialized to secrete cerebrospinal fluid. See also: cell