Summary
The fine structure of an intradural and extramedullary cyst compressing the spinal cord was examined. The cyst was lined by a single epithelial layer of both ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The non-ciliated cells differ from the former by the presence of secretory granules and a surface coating as well as other characteristics. The epithelial layer was bordered by a basement membrane and prominent interdigitation was found along the lateral borders. The origin of these cells is unknown but the similarity between them and the epithelium of the respiratory tract is noted.
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This study was aided by the Sandy Schneider Memorial Fund and the USPHS General Research Support Grant No. RR. 5499.
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Hirano, A., Ghatak, N.R., Wisoff, H.S. et al. An epithelial cyst of the spinal cord. An electron microscopic study. Acta Neuropathol 18, 214–223 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00685067
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00685067