Extradural space

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 27 Jul 2022

The extradural (epidural) space is a potential space between the cranial bones and the endosteal layer of the dura mater, which is otherwise adherent to the cranial bone. 

Gross anatomy

The extradural space is a potential space inside the cranial vault and is not normally appreciable unless there is an underlying pathology 1

This is in contrast to the epidural space of the spinal cord which contains epidural fat, lymphatics, blood vessels, and nerve roots 1, 2. The two spaces are not continuous. 

Meningeal arteries exist within the cranial extradural space. These include branches of the middle meningeal artery 1. These vessels may be damaged in trauma and can lead to a collection of blood known as an extradural hematoma. 

Related pathology

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