ependymo-, eympend-

A tumor in which the cells are significantly abnormal and grow very quickly: Anaplastic ependymomas can happen at any age; however, when they occur in children, they are more frequently located in the brain, but they are more often found in the spinal cord of affected adults.

The cellular membrane lining the central canal of the spinal cord and the ventricles (central cavities) of the brain: The ependyma is an important protective barrier inside the brain and spinal cord where the brain "floats" in a colorless bodily fluid and the ependyma acts as a "cushion" or buffer that provides a basic mechanical and immunological protection for the brain inside the skull.

Relating to the membrane that covers the ventricles of the brain and the spinal cord canal: The ependymal lining of Clive's spinal cord canal was causing him pain because of an infection.

A circumscribed distention or stretching of some part of the central canal of the spinal cord or of the cerebral ventricles which are spaces in the brain that are located between sections of the brain and filled with cerebrospinal fluid: Dr. Anderson, the neurosurgeon, carefully examined the ependymal cyst in Jim's spinal cord.

A glycoprotein which is associated with the consolidation of long-term memory and neuronal regeneration: Dr. Smith, the neurologist, explained the role of ependymin as it relates to memory, etc. to Jim.

The epithelial, or mucous, membrane coating the canal of the spinal cord and the ventricles of the brain: Dr. Farley explained to Sean that the ependymis is a thin layer of tissue with thick fluid that is in the tube of the spinal cord and the cavities of the brain which are produced by the tissues of the body.

Inflammation of the covering which lines the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord that produces cerebrospinal fluid: Mary's uncle was hospitalized because of ependymitis for which he was being treated by the neurologist, Dr. Smith.

A type of neuroglia cell coating the central canal of the spinal cord or the brain: An ependymoblast is known as the embryonic ependymal cell of the developing neural or nervous tube.

Glials or supportive cells that are parts of abnormal new growths of tissue in the central nervous system, occurring typically in childhood: Karen's mother was told by Dr. Morrison that her child was being checked to see if she had ependymoblastoma or a case where there might be an unusual growth of tissue in her spinal cord.

Basic structural and functional units that line cavities in the central nervous system and which are considered to be a type of glial or sustaining cells: Ependymocytes surround neurons, providing mechanical and physical support and electrical insulation between the neurons.

Tumors that originate in or near the brain or spinal cord: The ependymocytoma is a type of brain tumor that is derived from the cells that line the cavities within the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord composed of differentiated ependymal cells.

Most ependymocytomas are slow growing and benign, but malignant varieties can also occur.

A type of brain tumor that usually occurs in children.

Ependymoma is a "glioma" or a tumor coming from the glial (supporting) cells within the nervous system (the brain or spinal cord); and so far, the cause is unknown.

Ependymomas are often resistant to treatment and carry a poor prognosis or have a dismal outlook as far as a cure is concerned.

A disease of the thin epithelial membrane coating the ventricles (cavities) of the brain and the spinal cord canal ependyma (covering of internal and external surfaces of the body, including the lining of vessels and other small cavities): Ependymopathy is a disorder of the chambers of the brain or spinal cord canals (tubes).

A tumor in the covering of the central canal of the spinal cord or the ventricles (chambers) of the brain: Jeff was diagnosed with a malignant ependymoma or a deadly cancer in both his spinal cord and in a section of his brain.