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Structure

Meninges

Not medically reviewed · Content last updated · 2 min read ·

This is the date the draft was written, not a medical review date.

The meninges are three connective-tissue membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater) that envelop and protect the brain and spinal cord. They enclose the cerebrospinal fluid and the dural venous sinuses.

Terminologia Anatomica (Latin): Meninges · Open in the 3D atlas

Location

Between the skull or vertebral canal and the nervous tissue. Cranial dura has an outer periosteal and an inner meningeal layer; the spinal dura is separated from the vertebrae by the epidural space.

Structure

Dura mater: thick, forming the falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, falx cerebelli and diaphragma sellae. Arachnoid mater: avascular, with arachnoid granulations projecting into the venous sinuses. Pia mater: thin, adherent to the brain surface. Spaces: epidural (spinal), subdural (potential) and subarachnoid (CSF and vessels).

Blood supply

Dura: chiefly the middle meningeal artery (from the maxillary artery, entering through the foramen spinosum), with anterior and posterior meningeal contributions. Venous blood drains to the dural venous sinuses (superior sagittal, transverse, sigmoid and others) and then to the internal jugular veins.

Innervation

Cranial dura is supplied mainly by branches of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular divisions) and the upper cervical nerves, with the vagus supplying part of the posterior fossa dura. The dura is pain-sensitive, whereas brain tissue itself is not.

Function

They protect and support the central nervous system, partition the cranial cavity (falx and tentorium), contain and circulate CSF in the subarachnoid space, and provide the venous channels for cerebral drainage.

Clinical correlations

Epidural haematoma follows tearing of the middle meningeal artery, typically after pterion fracture (lucid interval, biconvex lesion on CT); subdural haematoma follows bridging vein rupture, notably in older adults; subarachnoid haemorrhage often follows aneurysm rupture. Meningitis is inflammation of the leptomeninges and requires urgent treatment according to local protocols.

Common exam points

  • Layers from outside inward: dura, arachnoid, pia; CSF lies in the subarachnoid space.
  • Middle meningeal artery enters via foramen spinosum; it is vulnerable at the pterion.
  • Epidural haematoma: arterial, lucid interval, biconvex; subdural: venous, crescentic.
  • Dural folds: falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, falx cerebelli, diaphragma sellae.
  • Arachnoid granulations return CSF to the dural venous sinuses.

References

  1. Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. Gray's Anatomy for Students. Elsevier — Tier 3 (textbook)
  2. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Wolters Kluwer, 8th edition (2018) — Tier 3 (textbook)
  3. Haines DE, Mihailoff GA. Fundamental Neuroscience for Basic and Clinical Applications. Elsevier, 5th edition (2018) — Tier 3 (textbook)

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