ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The meninges (singular meninx) is the system of membranes which envelops the

central nervous system. The meninges consist of three layers: the dura mater, the

arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. The primary function of the meninges and of the

cerebrospinal fluid isto protect the central nervous system. The space between these

membranes is bathed with a spinal fluid much like lymph, which serves as a protective

cushion for the delicate nerve tissue, and allows some expansion space for the brain

when its blood supply is increased.

3 layers of meninges:

1. Dura mater

- (also rarely called meninx fibrosa, or pachymeninx) is a thick, durable

membrane, closest to the skull. It consists of two layers, the periosteal layer, closest to

the calvaria and the inner meningeal layer. It contains larger blood vessels which split

into the capilliaries in the pia mater. It is composed of dense fibrous tissue, and its inner

surface is covered by flattened cells like those present on the surfaces of the pia mater

and arachnoid. The dura mater is a sac which envelops the arachnoid and has been

modified to serve several functions. The dura mater surrounds and supports the large

venous channels (dural sinuses) carrying blood from the brain toward the heart. The falx

cerebri

separates the hemispheres of the cerebrum. The falx cerebelli separates the lobes of

the cerebellum. The tentorium cerebelli separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum.

The

epidural space is a potential space between the dura mater and the skull. If there is

hemorrhaging in the brain, blood may collect here. Adults are more likely than children

to bleed here as a result of closed head injury. The subdural space is another potential

space. It is between the dura mater and the middle layer of the meninges, the arachnoid

mater. When bleeding occurs in the cranium, blood may collect here and push down on

the lower layers of the meninges. If bleeding continues, brain damage will result from

this pressure. Children are especially likely to have bleeding in the subdural space in

cases of head injury.

2. Arachnoid mater

- The middle element of the meninges is the arachnoid membrane, so named because

of its spider web-like appearance. It provides a cushioning effect for the central nervous

system. The arachnoid mater exists as a thin, transparent membrane. It is composed of

fibrous tissue and, like the pia mater, is covered by flat cells also thought to be

impermeable to fluid. The arachnoid does not follow the convolutions of the surface of

the brain and so looks like a loosely fitting sac. In the region of the brain, particularly, a

large number of fine filaments called arachnoid trabeculae pass from the arachnoid

through the subarachnoid space to blend with the tissue of the pia mater.

The arachnoid and pia mater are sometimes together called the leptomeninges. The

subarachanoid space lies between the arachnoid and pia mater. It is filled with

cerebrospinal fluid. All blood vessels entering the brain, as well as cranial nerves pass

through this space. The term arachnoid refers to the spider web like appearance of the

blood vessels within the space.

3. Pia mater

- The pia or pia mater is a very delicate membrane. It is the meningeal envelope which

firmly adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord. As such it follows all the minor

contours of the brain (gyri and sulci). It is a very thin membrane composed of fibrous

tissue covered on its outer surface by a sheet of flat cells thought to be impermeable to
fluid. The pia mater is pierced by blood vessels which travel to the brain and spinal cord,

and its capillaries are responsible for nourishing the brain.

Cerebrospinal fluid

- is a clear liquid produced within spaces in the brain called ventricles. Like saliva it is a

filtrate of blood. It is also found inside the subarachnoid space of the meninges which

surrounds both the brain and the spinal chord. In addition, a space inside the spinal

cord called the central canal also contains cerebrospinal fluid. It acts as a cushion for

the neuru axis, also bringing nutrients to the brain and spinal cord and removing waste

from the system.

Choroid Plexus

All of the ventricles contain choroid plexuses which produce cerebrospinal fluid by

allowing certain components of blood to enter the ventricles. The choroid plexuses are

formed by the fusion of the pia mater, the most internal layer of the meninges and the

ependyma, the lining of the ventricles. The Ventricles These four spaces are filled with

cerebrospinal fluid and protect the brain by cushioning it and supporting its weight.

Thewo lateral ventricles extend across a large area of the brain. The anterior horns of

these structures are located in the frontal lobes. They extend posteriorly into the parietal

lobes and their inferior horns are found in the temporal lobes. The third ventricle lies

between the two thalamic bodies. The mass intermedia passes through it and the

hypothalamus forms its floor and part of its lateral walls. The fourth ventricle is located

between the cerebellum and the pons. The four ventricles are connected to one
another. The two foramina of Munro, which are also know as the interventricular

foramina, link the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle. The Aqueduct of Sylvius which

is also called the cerebral aqueduct connects the third and fourth ventricles. The fourth

ventricle is connected to the subarachnoid space via two lateral foramina of Luschka

and by one medial foramen of Magendie.