Anatomy Tutorial: Cranial Meninges
\({\bf{Basics:}}\) membranes of connective tissue surrounding the brain/spinal cord, cushion and support the brain against skull bone contact; divided into three parts, the dura mater (outer layer), the arachnoid mater (middle layer) and pia mater (inner layer) |dw:1539662542887:dw|
\({\bf{Dura~Mater:}}\) two layers > periosteal cranial dura > meningeal cranial dura separated by ISF (interstitial fluid) and veins like the dural sinuses 4 places where the cranial dura folds and extends into the cranial cavity 1. falx celebri; between cerebral hemispheres 2. tentorium cerebelli: protects the cerebellum, contains transverse sinus 3. falx cerebelli; divides the cerebellum hemispheres 4. diaphragma sellae; sella turcia of sphenoid \({\bf{Arachnoid~Mater:}}\) > subdural space separates arachnoid and dural > subarachnoid space: mesh of collagen/elastic fibers between arachnoid mater and pia mater. interesting note: "arachnoid" is related to arachnid, like spiders, since the structure of this region is like a spider's web. > arachnoid granulations: extensions of arachnoid into the dura mater > arachnoid trabeculae: network of connective tissue fibers - site where CSF enter venous circulation \({\bf{Pia~Mater:}}\) - astrocytes anchor pia to the brain surface - vascularized to support other areas of the brain
Adapted from Human Anatomy, Martini, et. al. 9th edition
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