Practical 3 - station 1 - dura & meninges

Question 1

What are meninges?

Answer 1

Membrane of the brain which surround and protect the CNS and form support framework for arteries, veins and venous sinuses.

Question 2

What are some features of the dura mater\?

Answer 2

Rich blood supply

Dense fibrous membrane

Question 3

What are the layers of the dura mater?

Answer 3

Outer periosteal layer - attached to skull

Inner meningeal layer - contacts arachnoid mater

Question 4

What is the inner meningeal layer of the dura mater continuous with?

Answer 4

Arachnoid mater of the brain and spinal cord dura through the foramen magnum

Question 5

What are septa and how are they formed?

Answer 5

Dual folds - inner meningeal layer of dura draws away from outer layer to separate different brain regions from each other forming intracranial venous structures.

Question 6

What are some features of the arachnoid mater?

Answer 6

Avascular

Trabeculae extending towards the brain crossing the subarachnoid space

Question 7

What is the subarachnoid space?

Answer 7

Deep to the arachnoid mater, fluid filled space, network of CT, vessels, nerves and CSF

Question 8

Where does CSF go after it fills the subarachnoid space

Answer 8

To the venous return system through the arachnoid villi which form arachnoid granulations (clusters) projecting into the dural venous sinuses - especially the superior sagittal sinus

Question 9

What is the confluence of sinuses?

Answer 9

Where the superior sagittal, occipital and straight sinuses join. Then drain into right and left transverse sinuses.