Germinal matrix
Encyclopedia
In anatomy
, the germinal matrix is a highly cellular and highly vascularized region in the brain
from which cell
s migrate out during brain development. The germinal matrix is the source of both neuron
s and glial cell
s and is most active between 8 and 28 weeks gestation
. It is a fragile portion of the brain
that may be damaged leading to an intracranial hemorrhage
known as a germinal matrix hemorrhage
, which is the most common cause of second trimester spontaneous abortions.
Anatomy
Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
, the germinal matrix is a highly cellular and highly vascularized region in the brain
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
from which cell
Cell (biology)
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....
s migrate out during brain development. The germinal matrix is the source of both neuron
Neuron
A neuron is an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information by electrical and chemical signaling. Chemical signaling occurs via synapses, specialized connections with other cells. Neurons connect to each other to form networks. Neurons are the core components of the nervous...
s and glial cell
Glial cell
Glial cells, sometimes called neuroglia or simply glia , are non-neuronal cells that maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons in the brain, and for neurons in other parts of the nervous system such as in the autonomous nervous system...
s and is most active between 8 and 28 weeks gestation
Gestation
Gestation is the carrying of an embryo or fetus inside a female viviparous animal. Mammals during pregnancy can have one or more gestations at the same time ....
. It is a fragile portion of the brain
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
that may be damaged leading to an intracranial hemorrhage
Intracranial hemorrhage
An intracranial hemorrhage is a hemorrhage, or bleeding, within the skull.-Causes:Intracranial bleeding occurs when a blood vessel within the skull is ruptured or leaks. It can result from physical trauma or nontraumatic causes such as a ruptured aneurysm...
known as a germinal matrix hemorrhage
Germinal matrix hemorrhage
Germinal matrix hemorrhage is a bleeding into the subependymal germinal matrix with or without subsequent rupture into the lateral ventricle.- Pathophysiology :...
, which is the most common cause of second trimester spontaneous abortions.
External links
- Ultrasound Pictures of Germinal Matrix IVH MedPix Image Database