[The fine structure of epithelial cyst in the central nervous system (author's transl)]

The fine structure of three types of cysts within central nervous system, all with a single cell lining, has been examined. The first was in the subarachnoid space of the lumber cord and the lining cells included both ciliated and nonciliated secretory cells. It was considered to be of endodermal origin. The second type was a colloid cyst of the third ventricle and its fine structural features were almost identical to those of the first type. It was, therefore, likewise considered to be of endodermal origin. The third type was an intracerebral epithelial cyst in which the lining cells more closely resembled ependymal cells. The value of fine structural studies for the understanding of the pathogenesis of epithelial cysts within the central nervous system is discussed.