Cranial meninges
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View Henry Knipe's current disclosuresAt the time the article was last revised Tariq Walizai had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Tariq Walizai's current disclosures- Cranial meninx
The cranial meninges (singular: meninx) surround the brain and are made up of four layers (from outermost to innermost):
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Terminology
The dura mater can also be known as the pachymeninx. The arachnoid mater and pia mater are collectively known as the leptomeninges 3. The spinal meninges are similar but have some important differences.
Anatomy
The meninges function to protect the brain but also provide a framework for blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 2.
There are two so-called potential spaces:
epidural (extradural) space: between the bone of the cranium and the outer layer of the dura mater
subdural space: between the inner layer of the dura mater and the arachnoid mater; this is not a true potential space as the two layers are fused, albeit closely, by the dural border zone and haematomas actually occur within this space 5
Traditionally, one CSF-containing space, subarachnoid space, is described located between the arachnoid and pia mater. However, a thin additional layer, the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane, has been found to divide this space into two compartments 6.
Arterial supply
There are several arteries that supply the dura with the middle meningeal artery being the main contributor.
Innervation
The sensory innervation of the meninges is primarily by meningeal branches of both the trigeminal and vagus nerves with a smaller contribution from the upper cervical spinal nerves.
History and etymology
The word meninges, is the plural of meninx, from the Classical Greek μηνιγξ (transliteration: meninx) and literally means membrane 7.
Quiz questions
References
- 1. J. Edward Bruni, Donald G. Montemurro. Human Neuroanatomy. (2009) ISBN: 9780195371420 - Google Books
- 2. William K. Ovalle, PhD, Patrick C. Nahirney, PhD. Netter's Essential Histology. (2013) ISBN: 9781455706310 - Google Books
- 3. Strominger NL, Demarest RJ, Laemle LB. Noback's Human Nervous System, Seventh Edition: Structure and Function (HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM (NOBACK)). Humana Press. ISBN:B00A9YGMYU. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 4. Peter Harris, Sue Nagy, Nicholas Vardaxis. Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions - Australian & New Zealand Edition - EBook. (2014) ISBN: 9780729581387 - Google Books
- 5. Hasan D, Nikoubashman O, Pjontek R, Stockero A, Hamou H, Wiesmann M. MRI Appearance of Chronic Subdural Hematoma. Front Neurol. 2022;13:872664. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.872664 - Pubmed
- 6. Møllgård K, Beinlich F, Kusk P et al. A Mesothelium Divides the Subarachnoid Space into Functional Compartments. Science. 2023;379(6627):84-8. doi:10.1126/science.adc8810 - Pubmed
- 7. James Diggle. The Cambridge Greek Lexicon. (2021) ISBN: 9781108836982 - Google Books
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