Craniofacial Vasculature and Meninges Flashcards
From superficial to deep, what are the cranial meninges?
Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
Describe the dura mater
Strongest of the meninges; divided into periosteal layer superficially, which attaches to the periosteum of the cranial bones, and the meningeal layer deep
What is the relationship between the periosteal and meningeal layer of the dura mater?
Usually fused together, except in specific areas where the 2 layers separate to form large, blood-filled spaces called dural venous sinuses
Describe the arachnoid mater
Partially composed of a delicate web of collagen and elastic fibers called arachnoid trabeculae; deep to this is the subarachnoid space
The potential space between the arachnoid mater and overlying dura mater is called _____________.
Subdural space
Describe the pia mater
Thin layer of delicate connective tissue that lightly adheres to the brain and follows every contour of the brain surface
What is the function of the meningeal layer of the dura mater?
Extends septa deep into the cranial cavity that separate specific parts of the brain and provide additional stabilization and support to the entire brain
What are the 4 cranial dura septa?
Falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, falx cerebelli, and diaphragma sellae
Within the 4 cranial dura septa, their are dural venous sinuses. What are the dural venous sinuses?
Superior/inferior sagittal sinuses, straight sinus, sigmoid sinus, and transverse sinus
What does bleeding between the calvarium and the soft tissue of the brain cause? What is this called?
Exerts pressure on the brain and increased intracranial pressure can damage brain tissue at the bleeding site and at more remote brain areas; called a extracerebral hemorrhage
A bleed coming from the middle meningeal artery is called what? What does this look like on a CT?
Epidural hematoma; looks like a lens
A bleed coming from the bridging veins is called what? What does this look like on a CT?
Subdural hematoma; looks like a crescent
A bleed coming from the cerebral arteries is called what? What does this look like on a CT?
Subarachnoid hemorrhage; looks like a spider web
A patient presents to the ER with a high fever and decreased vision. Upon examination, you notice conjuctival edema and a possible CN palsy. What is your suspected diagnoses? What scans can you order to confirm your suspected diagnoses? What treatments can you offer the patient?
Cavernous sinus thrombosis; order CT and MRI; can start IV antibiotics, heparin, and may need a surgical consult
CN VI palsy is the most common palsy with this
What are some functions of cerebrospinal fluid?
Buoyancy for the brain, protection, and environmental stability
