The term subependymal zone refers to multiple layers of stem cells deep to the ependyma lining the walls of the neural tube in the Encephalon (embryonic brain). During early developoment, the stem cells migrate toward the outer surfaces of the brain as they differentiate to populate those areas with neurons and glia. As the brain develops the shape of the tube modifies to form the cerebral ventricles, cerebral aqueduct, the central canal of the medulla and spinal cord. In the adult brain the subependymal zone has disappeared in all areas except the lateral wall of the lateral ventricles ( Kazanis-2009 ). In the human ( Mai-1997 ) and macaque ( Kornack-2001 ) it is most prominent at the rostral extreme of the ventricle and in the angle betweeen the head of the caudate nucleus and the corpus callosum ( Mai-1997 ). In the adult rat ( Swanson-2004 ) and the mouse ( Hof-2000 ) the zone extends laterally from the ventricle to form a narrow layer between the corpus callosum and the dorsal surface of the striatum. It also lines the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle as it extends rostrally along the anterior olfactory nucleus and the olfactory limb of the anterior commissure deep into the olfactory bulb. Updated 8 Jun 2924.