Meningeal Layers, Dural Folds And Venous Sinuses

Question 1

What are the three membranous layers that surround and protect the brain?

Answer 1

Meninges:
Pia
Arachnoid
Dura

Question 2

What is the pia?

Answer 2

Microscopically thin
Delicate
Closely adhered to surface of the brain

Question 3

What is the arachnoid?

Answer 3

Soft translucent membrane

Question 4

What is the Dura?

Answer 4

Tough fibrous membrane

Question 5

What are the two layers of the dura?

Answer 5

Periosteal- lines inner bone of skull meningeal- layer adjacent to arachnoid

Question 6

What are areas of separation of the dura called and what do they make

Answer 6

Dural folds

And they create dural venous sinuses

Question 7

What do dural folds do?

Answer 7

Stabalise the brain and act as rigid dividers

Question 8

What is herniation?

Answer 8

Ribs in skull pressure causes compression against dural folds and through foramen magnum

Question 9

What is a dural venous sinus?

Answer 9

Venous blood filled spaces created by dural folds

Question 10

Where does blood come from to enter the dural sinuses?

Answer 10

Cerebral veins

Question 11

Where do venous sinuses drain into?

Answer 11

Internal jugular vein

Question 12

What is intracranial haemorrhage?

Answer 12

Bleeding in the spaces between meningeal layers

Question 13

Where does blood accumulate in an intracranial haemorrhage?

Answer 13

Extradural
Subdural
Subarachnoid

Question 14

What is an intracerebral haemorrhage?

Answer 14

Bleed in the brain tissue

Question 15

What does a brain bleed cause?

Answer 15

Increased volume
Increased pressure
Damage

Question 16

What causes an intracranial haemorrhage in the subarachnoid space?

Answer 16

Trauma or rupture of blood vessels e.g. Aneurysm of circle of Willis

Question 17

What can be fatal in an intracranial haemorrhage of the subarachnoid?

Answer 17

Blood mixes with csf

Question 18

What tests would you do if you expected an intracranial haemorrhage?

Answer 18

CT image

Lumbar puncture