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Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy of the Ependymal Lining of the Third Ventricle

SUMMARY In its simplest form, the ependyma of the third ventricle consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells. Although these typical mural cells constitute the greater part of the lining of the ventricle, a specialized variety of ependymal cell (the tanycyte) can also be distinguished within circumscribed areas of the ventricular wall. Although such cells are found scattered throughout the dorsoventral extent of the third ventricle, they are particularly numerous along the ventrolateral walls and floor. The regional variation in the surface morphology of the ventricle walls as evident with the scanning electron microscope is consistent with this pattern of tanycyte distribution. Ultrastructural studies have established that the tanycyte is a fundamentally distinct cell with a long basal process extending into the subjacent neuropil and frequently directed toward a capillary wall. This unique morphology conforms closely to its three-dimensional appearance as demonstrated with the scanning electron microscope. The significance of ependymal tanycytes particularly of the third ventricle derives largely from the connections they establish between the ventricular lumen and vasculature of the median eminence. This intriguing structural relationship has led to the suggestion that ependymal cells and cerebrospinal fluid of the third ventricle may be involved in the regulation of adenohypophysial activity. Evidence indicating the functional involvement of specialized ependymal cells in the neuroendocrine control of pituitary activity is reviewed.