Arachnoid cells (also called arachnoid cap cells or arachnoid granulation cells) are specialized meningeal cells that line the arachnoid mater and form the arachnoid granulations involved in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption and venous drainage. These cells are critical components of the meningeal barrier and function at the interface between the CSF compartment and the dural venous sinuses. [1][2]
| Cell Type | Structure | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Arachnoid cap cells | Dome-shaped, tight junctions | Cover arachnoid granulations |
| Arachnoid granulation cells | Villous projections | CSF absorption |
| Meningeal fibroblasts | Extracellular matrix | Structural support |
| Epithelial-like arachnoid | Barrier function | Selectivity |
Arachnoid cell dysfunction contributes to:
| Approach | Target | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CSF diversion | Hydrocephalus | Standard of care |
| Arachnoid stimulation | Enhanced drainage | Experimental |
| Meningeal protectants | Barrier function | Discovery |
Weller, Meninges, choroid plexus, and ependyma (2005). 2005. ↩︎
Decimo et al. The meninges in CNS development and repair (2012). 2012. ↩︎