ANATOMY - MENINGES

Question 1

Draw and label a schematic representation of the layers of the scalp, skull and meninges (12 for labels + 4 for drawing = 16)/ List the sequence of structures starting from the skin, ending at the cortex (9)

Answer 1

Skin, Connective tissue, Aponeurosis of M. fronto-occipitalis, Loose connective/ areolar tissue, Periosteum/ pericranium, Outer cortical bone, Spongy bone, Inner cortical bone, Dura mater – endosteal layer/ endosteum, Dura mater – meningeal layer, Arachnoid, Pia mater

Question 2

Name the meningeal layers from innermost to outermost that form a covering of the CNS (2)

Answer 2

Pia, Arachnoid & Dura mater

Question 3

Describe how the dura mater compartmentalises the intracranial cavity. May use a well labelled diagram (5)

Answer 3

Anterior & middle cranial fossae partially divided from posterior cranial fossa; left & right halves of intracranial cavity partially divided.

Question 4

Name the folds of meninges that form compartments within the cranial cavity and describe the specific areas where they are located (5)

Answer 4

Falx cerebri & tentorium cerebelli (1)

The falx cerebri lies in the sagittal plane between the two cerebral hemispheres (1) free border above the corpus callosum (1)

The tentorium cerebelli is oriented horizontally, (1) lying beneath the occipital lobes of the cerebral hemispheres and above the cerebellum (1)

Question 5

Name the main subdivisions of the dural venous sinuses and briefly describe each according to its location (5)

Answer 5

Along the lines of attachment of the falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli to the interior of the skull (1) (superior sagittal sinus (1), transverse sinus (1)

Along the line of attachment of the falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli to one another (1) (straight sinus) (1)

Question 6

Briefly describe the structure of the superior sagittal sinus and its associated features (3)

Answer 6

2 layers of dura (endosteal, meningeal), venous sinus, arachnoid villi & granulations