ependymaliekkettä

Ependymal cells are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord. They are characterized by their location in the ependyma, a layer of cells that lines the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Ependymal cells play a crucial role in the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which bathes the brain and spinal cord, providing essential nutrients and removing waste products.

These cells are also involved in the formation of the blood-brain barrier, a selective barrier that controls the passage of substances between the blood and the brain's extracellular fluid. Ependymal cells are capable of migrating and differentiating, contributing to the development and repair of the CNS. They are also implicated in various neurological conditions, such as hydrocephalus, where the accumulation of CSF leads to increased intracranial pressure.

Ependymal cells can be further classified into two main types based on their structure and function: tanycytes and ependymal cells proper. Tanycytes are specialized ependymal cells found in the hypothalamus that are involved in the regulation of water balance and blood pressure. Ependymal cells proper are more general in function, contributing to CSF production and circulation.

In summary, ependymal cells are essential for the proper functioning of the CNS, playing key roles in CSF production, blood-brain barrier formation, and neural development and repair. Their study is ongoing, with ongoing research aimed at understanding their role in various neurological disorders.