Ultrastructural characteristics of ependymal epithelium in different cerebrospinal regions in rats

Objective: To study the territorial di fference of ultrastructure and functions of cerebrospinal ependyma in rats. Methods: Transmission electron microscope was used. Results: Ependyma was lined in the inner surface of cerebral ventricles, aqueduct and spinal central canal, simple-flattened, cuboidal or pseudostra tified columnar according to its position. On the free surface of ependymal cells there were cilia, microvilli and secretory vesicles, their shape and number were depended on where ependyma was situated. Conclusion: Ependyma is a lining with complicated functions in cerebrospinal cavities;it plays an important role in the course of transcytomembranous transport and participates in driving the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.