The brain and spinal cord

Glial cells are the supporting cells of the brain and the spinal cord. The most common type of brain tumours start in glial cells. These are called gliomas.

There are 3 types of glial cells:

• astrocytes – tumours that start in these cells are called astrocytoma or glioblastoma

• oligodendrocytes – tumours that start in these cells are called oligodendrogliomas

• ependymal cells – tumours that start in these cells are called ependymomas

Find out more about the different types of gliomas

Neurons are also called nerve cells. They are specialised cells that control everything we do. Our brain and spinal cord are made up of billions of neurons.

Brain tumours that start in the neurons are rare. They are often called neuronal tumours.

These are cells that are left over from the earliest development of the body in the womb. They can be found in different parts of the brain in children and young people. Usually these cells are harmless but rarely they become cancerous.

The most common type of brain tumours that start in neuroectodermal cells are medulloblastomas. They usually start in the back of the brain (cerebellum) and mainly affect children.

We have more information about medulloblastoma

The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by a clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It supports and protects the brain and the spinal cord.

Ventricles are spaces inside the brain filled with CSF. They connect with the space in the centre of the spinal cord and the brain membranes (meninges). So the fluid can circulate around and through the brain and spinal cord.

There are 4 ventricles inside the brain:

• two lateral ventricles – one on each side of the cerebrum

• the third ventricle

• the fourth ventricle

Some brain tumours can spread to the CSF. Doctors might take a sample of CSF from your lower back to help diagnose a brain tumour. 

Find out about getting diagnosed with a brain tumour

The pituitary gland makes hormones which are important for your body to function. These affect:

• growth

• the chemical processes that happen inside your body (your metabolism)

• periods and egg production in women

• sperm production in men

Different types of tumours can start in the pituitary gland.

Find out more about pituitary tumours

The pineal gland is in the middle of the brain, just behind the brainstem. It makes a hormone called melatonin which controls your sleep patterns.

Read about pineal region tumours