Brain Anatomy Flashcards
Tell me about the meninges.
The brain and spinal cord are suspended within three layers of membranes known as the meninges and further protected by a layer of cerebrospinal fluid (between two inner laters)
Meninges consist of dura mater, arachnoid mater and the pia mater.
The dura mater.
Outermost, thich, durable, membrane closest to the skull.
The arachnoid mater.
Middle layer, spider/web-like appearance, providing a cushioning effect for the CNS. Thin, transparent membrane.
The pia mater.
Very delicate membrane. It is the meningeal envelope that firmly adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord following the brains minor contours. (gyri and sulci).
Subarachnoid space.
Normally exists between the arachnoid and the pia mater filled with CSF.
CSF.
Clear, colourless, bodily fluid acting as a cushion/buffer for the cortex providing basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull and serves a vital function in cerebral auto regulation of cerebral blood flow.
How does CSF regulate cerebral blood flow?
The prevention of brain ischemia is made by decreasing the amount of CSF in the limited space inside the skull. This decreases total intracranial pressure and facilitates blood perfusion.