The fine structure of the ependymal surface of the recessus infundibularis in the rat.

The surface of the recessus infundibularis of the third ventricle has been studied with the scanning and transmission technique in normal and experimental material. Surface specializations such as microvilli, craters and areas of discontinuous lining are described. Supraependymal cells and fibres have been found; some of these cells form wide-meshed networks. The supraependymal fibres may be regular or varicose; the former seem to perforate the ependyma. With the transmission electron microscope the supraependymal cells are divided into three categories; nerve cells, lymphocytes and "dense cells". Two fibre populations are distinguished: thin profiles (nerve fibres) and thick profiles (nerve terminals). Axosomatic and axoaxonic synapses are described. Synapses between supraependymal fibres and ependyma cells have also been found.