CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
SPINAL CORD – 3
The central canal or ependymal canal is narrow tube that exists in the center of the of the spinal cord gray matter. It is a remnant of the neural tube cavity formed during the embryonic period of intrauterine development.
This canal begins at the lower part of the brain where it communicates with the cavities of the cerebral ventricles. Both are filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
The figure shows a cross section of the ependymary canal. It is lined by a simple ciliated columnar or cuboidal epithelium. The arrows indicate cilia on the epithelial cell surfaces.
Ependymal canal. Staining: HE. Medium magnification.