What does ependyma mean?
The ependyma is the delicate membrane that lines the fluid-filled spaces of the central nervous system, including the four ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Composed of a single layer of specialized glial cells known as ependymal cells, many of which bear hair-like cilia, it plays a vital role in the production, circulation, and regulation of cerebrospinal fluid. The beating of these cilia helps move the fluid through the ventricular system, nourishing and cushioning the brain. Although the word itself is confined to anatomy, neuroscience, and medicine — appearing most often in phrases such as 'ependymal cells' — it names a structure essential to the health of the nervous system. Damage to or disruption of the ependyma can interfere with cerebrospinal fluid flow, making it a subject of ongoing clinical and scientific interest.
nounThe thin epithelial membrane of glial origin that lines the fluid-filled cavities of the brain and spinal cord, including the cerebral ventricles and the central canal.
- The thin epithelial-like membrane lining the cerebral ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord.
"The ciliated cells of the ependyma help circulate cerebrospinal fluid through the ventricles."
"Damage to the ependyma can disrupt the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricular system."
"Under the microscope, the ependyma appeared as a single layer of cuboidal, ciliated cells."
Both plural forms are attested; 'ependymas' is the anglicized form and the more common choice in modern usage.
"Sections from both animals showed similar abnormalities in their ependymas."
The ependyma is so thin it's often just one cell layer thick — yet its tiny beating cilia help sweep the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes your entire brain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ependyma
The word ependyma derives from the Greek 'ependyma', meaning 'an upper garment' or 'covering', formed from 'epi-' ('upon') plus 'endyein' ('to put on' or 'to clothe'). It was adopted into anatomical Latin and then into English as a scientific term for the membranous lining of the brain's cavities. Its adjective form, ependymal, shares the same Greek root and is now the more commonly encountered variant in medical writing.
Related word forms
How ependyma is actually used
A technical term used almost exclusively in anatomy, histology, neuroscience, and medical contexts; rarely encountered in everyday speech. The related adjective 'ependymal' is more frequently used than the noun itself (e.g., 'ependymal cells').
Easily confused with ependyma
The ependyma lines the brain and spinal cord cavities, whereas the epididymis is a coiled duct on the testicle that stores sperm.