Meninges and Ventricles

Question 1

Meninges - Definition, Function and Layer

Answer 1

Membranous cover of the CNS (encephalon and spinal cord). Provides mechanical and immunological protection, and framework for vascularization.
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Pia mater

Question 2

Dura Mater - Function and Areas

Answer 2

Closest to skull, thick. Vascularization and protection.
Blood Brain Barrier.
- Falx cerebri
- Falx cerebelli
- Tentorium cerebelli
- Diaphragma (covers sella turcica)

Question 3

Falx Cerebri - Function

Answer 3

Protects against trauma and shock.
Creates 2 compartments for the brain hemispheres.

Question 4

Tentorium Cerebelli - Function

Answer 4

Separates the cerebellum.

Question 5

Diaphragma - Function

Answer 5

Isolates the hypothalamus from the rest of the brain.

Question 6

Arachnoid Mater - Components and Location

Answer 6

No vascularization. Directly under dura mater.
In subdural space, small projections connect to dura, allowing transition of CSF between layers.

Question 7

Arachnoid Mater - Subarachnoid Space

Answer 7

In the subarachnoid space, CSF works as a cushion for the encephalon, protecting it against mechanical damage.

Question 8

Pia Mater - Location and Function

Answer 8

Highly vascularized, primarily involved with nutrition of the underneath tissue, and holding the form of the gyri and sulci.

Question 9

Ventricles - Function and Division

Answer 9

Production of CSF for protection against mechanical damage (ICP) and immunological harm. Can adapt to change due to ICP.
- Lateral ventricle (most CSF produced here)
- 3rd ventricle (thin due to surroundings)
- 4th ventricle (surrounds brain stem and descends into spinal canal)

Question 10

Where is the CSF produced?

Answer 10

In the Choroid Plexus in each of the ventricles.