NS1 ASSIGNMENT 2 MENINGES – GROUP 1

Aug. 23, 2021 Monday

1. Describe the septae (projections) formed by the meningeal layer of the dura mater
that separate parts of the brain.

 The meningeal layer sends inward four septae: the falx cerebri, falx cerebelli,
tentorium cerebelli, and diaphragma sellae. These septae divide the cranial
cavity into freely communicating spaces that lodge the subdivisions of the brain.

A. Falx Cerebri
 The falx cerebri is a double-fold of dura mater that descends through the
interhemispheric fissure in the midline of the brain to separate the two cerebra
hemispheres.
 This is relatively thin anteriorly where it attaches to the crista galli of the
ethmoid bone, but is broader posteriorly where it attaches to the superior
surface of the tentorium cerebelli inferiorly.

B. Tentorium Cerebelli
 A crescent-shaped fold of dura mater that roofs over the posterior cranial
fossa.
 Covers upper surface of the cerebellum and supports the occipital lobes of
the cerebral hemispheres.
 The tentorial notch allows passage of the midbrain, which produces an inner
free border and an outer fixed border.

C. Falx Cerebelli
 Small sickle-shaped fold of dura mater attached to the internal occipital crest
projects forward between the two cerebellar hemispheres.
 Its base is attached, above, to the under and back part of the tentorium
cerebelli; its posterior margin, to the lower division of the vertical crest on the
inner surface of the occipital bone.
D. Diaphragma Sellae
 Small circular fold of dura mater that forms the roof of the sella turcica.
 A small opening in its center allows passage of the stalk of the hypophysis
cerebri.
 The function of these septa is to restrict the displacement of the brain
associated with acceleration and deceleration when the head is moved.
 Figure 1. The four septae mentioned above (Falx cerebri, Tentorium cebelli,
Falx cerebelli, Diaphragma sellae)

2. Discuss the dural arterial supply.

Multiple arteries supply the dura but from the clinical standpoint, the middle
meningeal artery is the most important as it is the only arterial vessel found between the
meningeal and endosteal layers of dura.

Numerous arteries supply the dura mater from the internal carotid, maxillary,
ascending pharyngeal, occipital. and vertebral arteries. From the clinical standpoint, the
most important is the middle meningeal artery, which can be damaged in head injuries.
● Middle meningeal artery
- Arises from the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa. It enters the
cranial cavity through the foramen spinosum and then Iies between the
meningeal and endosteal layers of the dura mater.
- The artery then runs forward and laterally in a groove on the upper surface
of the squamous part of the temporal bone.
 Figure 2. The middle meningeal artery

3. Discuss the significance of the communication of the facial vein and the cavernous
sinuses.

The two sinuses communicate with each other by means of the anterior and
posterior intercavernous sinuses, which run in the diaphragma sellae anterior and
posterior to the stalk of the hypophysis cerebri. Each sinus has an important
communication with the facial vein through the superior ophthalmic vein. (This is a route
by which infection can travel from the facial skin to the cavernous sinus.

4. Describe arachnoid villi and state its function.

- In certain areas, the arachnoid projects into the venous sinuses to form
arachnoid villi. The arachnoid villi are most numerous along the superior sagittal
sinus. Aggregations of arachnoid villi are referred to as arachnoid granulations.
- Arachnoid villi serve as sites where the CSF diffuses into the bloodstream. The
arachnoid Is connected to the pia mater across the fluid filled subarachnoid
space by delicate strands of fibrous tissue.
- Most numerous along the superior sagittal sinus.

5. Describe the following spaces: epidural (extradural) space, subdural (intradural)

space, and subarachnoid space.

● Epidural (extradural) space

- The dural sheath lies loosely in the vertebral canal and is separated from
the wall of the canal by the epidural space.
- The epidural space is a space between the cranial bones and the
endosteal layer of the dura mater .
● Subdural (intradural) space
- The subdural space separates the dura mater and the arachnoid mater.
- This is a potential space that can be opened by the separation of the
arachnoid mater from the dura mater as the result of trauma, pathologic
process, or the absence of cerebrospinal fluid as seen in a cadaver.
● Subarachnoid space
- The subarachnoid space is the cerebrospinal fluid-filled space that exists
between the arachnoid and the pia. Within the lateral ventricles of the
brain, the choroid plexus produces CSF, which passes into the
subarachnoid space via the foramina of Luschka.
- The arachnoid mater is a delicate impermeable membrane that covers the
spinal cord and lies between the pia mater internally and dura mater
externally. It is separated from the pia mater by a wide space, the
subarachnoid space, which is filled with CSF.
Submitted by Group 1:

1. Abalain, Sarah Jane

2. Abrazaldo, Roselle L.
3. Acerimo, Michael Vince
4. Balatbat, Jade Lauren S.
5. Baldelovar, Jerahmeel A.
6. Bartolay, Erla Marjorie
7. Cabab, Wilbur Jess P.
8. Cao, Jan Faith Nicole M.
9. Catchillar, Norville
10. Cortuna, Quenna Reina
11. Cruz, Danielle G.
12. Dacut, Karen
13. Dean, Kristine Grace