[A scanning electron microscopy study of the ependyma in the lateral cerebral ventricle in humans]

The apical surface of ependymal cells in the cornu anterius of the lateral ventricle of the brain was studied in man. The surface of ependymal cells displays varied differentiation, the cells have microvilli, spherical processes, and cilia. In the cornu anterius ependymal cells without cilia as well as with one cilium and even several cilia were observed. Different types of cells occur in groups forming so-called ependymal areas, which are constituents of the lining of the ventricular walls. Ependymal areas with a large number of cilia were recorded along with areas without cilia and so-called transitory ependymal areas with a small number of cilia. There are no sharp borderlines between the individual areas.