Arachnoid Mater and Pia Mater Flashcards
The subaracnoid space continues (inferiorly or superiorly) down the spinal cord?
Inferiorly
Where does the subarachnoid space end?
Vertebra S2
Which space marks the endpoint of the spinal cord?
vertebrae L1/L2 and vertebra S2
What is the space after the ending of the spinal cord called? And what does it contain?
Lumbar cistern and contains the roots of the spinal nerves and CSF
What are the small projections of the arachnoid mater that extend through dura mater? What is their function?
arachnoid granulations (villi). They drain the CSF into the dural sinuses to aid in venous circulation
What 2 structures is the pia mater in touch with?
surface of brain and spinal cord
What is the function of the pia mater?
carries the blood vessels to the depth of the nervous tissue of the CNS
What are the ligaments called that are extensions of pia mater to anchor the spinal cord to the deep surface of the arachnoid and dura mater?
Denticulate ligaments
What does the filum terminale do? And where is it?
Anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.
Pia mater extension from Conus medullaris –> arachnoid and dura
Why is the epidural space of the spinal cord different from the epidural space of the brain?
It is filled with fat for additional protection and is always present, not just in pathology.
What is different between the dura mater in the spinal cord vs. the brain?
In the spinal cord there is only 1 layer. The meningeal layer. Thickest.
True or false. The subdural space in spinal cord is only present in pathology.
True. Same as the brain
Which space in the spinal cord do we find CSF?
Subarachnoid space
What is the pia mater of the SC tightly adhered to?
Neural tissue
What makes up the dural sac/sleeve?
Dura mater and arachnoid mater
Where does the dural sac begin and end?
foramen magnum, C1-C2, and S2
What layer is made up of avascular CT with collagen and elastic fibers in the SC?
Arachnoid mater
What is the purpose of the denticulate ligaments?
protects spinal cord against shock and sudden displacement/trauma, suspending it in fluid
Which layer is located between ventral and dorsal nerve roots?
Pia mater
What is the end of the spinal cord called?
Conus medullaris
Where is the end of the spinal cord in adults? In children?
L1/2
L4
What is the site for lumbar puncture? Why?
Lumbar cistern
Enlargement of subarachnoid space, past the ending of the spinal cord (~L2/~S2)
What do we call the remaining spinal nerves into the sacrum?
Cauda equina (horses tail)
What tethers the spinal cord to the coccyx? Is it a neural structure?
Filum terminale
No!
