Are Ependymal Cells Ciliated?

Ependymal cells are ciliated glial cells that form an epithelial barrier, called the ependyma, lining the brain's ventricular system and the spinal cord's central canal.

Why are ependymal cells ciliated?

In the ventricles ependymal cells possess tiny hairlike structures called cilia on their surfaces facing the open space of the cavities they line. ... This protects against the unregulated entry of potentially harmful substances into the ventricles and ultimately the central nervous system.

Do ependymal cells have cilia?

Ependymal Cells. The nonnervous ependymal cells are derived from the primitive neural ectoderm and form the lining of the cavities of the brain and spinal cord. They are often classified with neuroglia. Embryonic ependymal cells are ciliated and some retain their cilia permanently.