Genetic mouse models reflect hydrocephalus-related mutations but lack human-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids have a human-relevant cellular organization but are plagued by heterogeneous differentiation and cannot mimic CSF dynamics. Hydrocephalic rat models simulate ventricular dilation but cannot capture the mechanobiological consequences of CSF dynamics for ependymal cilia. SVZonChip, an organ-on-a-chip system based on subventricular zone (SVZ)-specific ECM and dynamic CSF flow, has the potential for clinical translation but needs further verification