Which cells line the ventricles and contribute to CSF production?

Which cells line the ventricles and contribute to CSF production?

• A. Astrocytes
• B. Microglia
• C. Ependymal cells
• D. Schwann cells

Answer: (C)

Ependymal cells form the lining of the brain’s ventricular system and help regulate and move cerebrospinal fluid. They line the ventricles and, together with the choroid plexus, contribute to CSF production by transporting ions and water and by circulating the fluid with their cilia. Other cell types have different roles—astrocytes support the blood-brain barrier and homeostasis, microglia are immune cells in the CNS, and Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nerves—so they don’t line the ventricles or drive CSF production.

Ependymal cells form the lining of the brain’s ventricular system and help regulate and move cerebrospinal fluid. They line the ventricles and, together with the choroid plexus, contribute to CSF production by transporting ions and water and by circulating the fluid with their cilia. Other cell types have different roles—astrocytes support the blood-brain barrier and homeostasis, microglia are immune cells in the CNS, and Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nerves—so they don’t line the ventricles or drive CSF production.