60 Questions
What is the outermost layer of the meninges covering the spinal cord?
Spinal dura mater
What is the space between the spinal dura and arachnoid mater?
Subdural space
Which part of the spinal dura mater is pierced by filum terminale?
Lower end
What is the function of the serous fluid in the subdural space?
Acting as a lubricant
Where does the spinal dura mater extend from?
Foramen magnum to the lower border of S2 vertebra
What is the spinal arachnoid mater?
A thin transparent vascular membrane
Where does the spinal arachnoid mater extend up to?
Lower border of second sacral vertebra
What is the arrangement formed by the delicate thread-like processes of the arachnoid mater?
A spider’s web-like arrangement
What is the function of the recurrent meningeal branches of the spinal nerves?
Supplying the spinal dura
What is the space between the spinal arachnoid and pia mater?
Subarachnoid space
What is the approximate volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space?
75 ml
Where is the lumbar puncture usually done?
Between the L3 and L4 vertebra
What is the function of ligamenta denticulata?
To anchor the spinal cord in the middle of the subarachnoid space
What is the length of filum terminale internum?
15 cm
Where does the filum terminale attach to?
The dorsal surface of the first piece of the coccyx
What is the name of the thickened band of pia mater along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord?
Linea splendens
How many teeth-like projections does each ligamentum denticulatum send?
21
What is the location of the first tooth of ligamentum denticulatum?
At the level of the foramen magnum
What is the location of the subarachnoid space?
Between the pia mater and arachnoid mater
What is the purpose of the subarachnoid septum?
To connect the pia mater with arachnoid mater
Which structure extends from the foramen magnum to the lower border of S2 vertebra?
Spinal dura mater
What is the purpose of the serous fluid in the subdural space?
To act as a lubricant
What is the relationship between the spinal arachnoid mater and the brain?
They are continuous
What percentage of the total cerebrospinal fluid is found in the subarachnoid space?
75%
What is the function of the delicate thread-like processes of the arachnoid mater?
To form a spider’s web-like arrangement
What is the function of ligamenta denticulata?
To anchor the spinal cord in the subarachnoid space
What is the function of the recurrent meningeal branches of the spinal nerves?
To supply the spinal dura
What is the name of the thin thread-like prolongation of pia mater beyond the conus medullaris?
Filum terminale
What is the location of the subdural space?
Between the spinal dura and arachnoid mater
What is the approximate length of filum terminale internum?
15 cm
What is the purpose of the spinal dura mater?
To protect the spinal cord
Where is the lumbar puncture usually performed?
Between L3 and L4 vertebrae
Where do the dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal nerves pierce the spinal dura mater?
Segmentally
What is the name of the thickened band of pia mater along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord?
Linea splendens
What is the location of the lumbar cistern?
Below the level of conus medullaris
What is the function of the sleeve-like projections of the spinal dura mater?
To fuse with the epineurium of the spinal nerves
What is the attachment of the spinal dura mater to the axis vertebra?
Firmly attached
How many teeth-like projections does each ligamentum denticulatum send?
21
What is the function of the subarachnoid septum?
To connect the pia mater with arachnoid mater posteriorly
What is the total volume of cerebrospinal fluid?
150 ml
What is the function of the delicate thread-like processes of the arachnoid mater?
To attach the arachnoid mater to the pia mater
What is the purpose of the spinal dura mater?
To protect the spinal cord from mechanical injury
Where does the spinal arachnoid mater extend up to?
The lower border of the second sacral vertebra
What is the function of the recurrent meningeal branches of the spinal nerves?
To supply the spinal dura mater
What is the relationship between the spinal arachnoid mater and the brain?
The spinal arachnoid mater is continuous with the arachnoid mater surrounding the brain
What is the function of the sleeve-like projections of the spinal dura mater?
To prolong over the dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal nerves
What is the attachment of the spinal dura mater to the axis vertebra?
All of the above
What is the function of the subdural space?
To allow for the free movement of the dura mater over the arachnoid mater
What is the location of the subarachnoid space?
Between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater
What is the function of the filum terminale?
To pierce the lower blind end of the dural tube
What is the approximate volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the total volume?
150 ml
What is the purpose of the ligamenta denticulata?
To anchor the spinal cord in the middle of the subarachnoid space
What is the name of the prolongation of pia mater beyond the conus medullaris?
Filum terminale
Where does the spinal arachnoid mater communicate with the subarachnoid space around the brain?
Foramen magnum
What is the name of the thickened band of pia mater along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord?
Linea splendens
What is the location of the lumbar cistern?
Between the L3 and L4 vertebra
What is the length of the filum terminale?
20 cm
What is the function of the filum terminale?
To attach the spinal cord to the dural tube
What is the name of the fenestrated pial septum in the midsagittal plane?
Subarachnoid septum
Where is the lumbar puncture usually performed?
Between the L3 and L4 vertebra
Study Notes
Meninges Surrounding the Spinal Cord
- The spinal cord is surrounded by three meninges: spinal dura mater, spinal arachnoid mater, and spinal pia mater.
Spinal Dura Mater
- Extends from foramen magnum to the lower border of S2 vertebra
- Attached firmly to the foramen magnum, the tectorial membrane, and the posterior longitudinal ligament on the body of axis vertebra
- Elsewhere, it lies free in the vertebral canal
- Pierced segmentally by dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal nerves
- Prolonged over these roots as sleeve-like projections, which enter the intervertebral foramina and end by fusing with the epineurium of the spinal nerves
- Recurrent meningeal branches of the spinal nerves supply the spinal dura
Subdural Space
- Potential space between the spinal dura and arachnoid mater
- Contains a thin film of serous fluid, which acts as a lubricant
- Prolonged to a short distance around the roots of the spinal nerves
Spinal Arachnoid Mater
- Thin, transparent, vascular membrane that loosely invests the spinal cord
- Continuous with the arachnoid mater surrounding the brain above
- Extends up to the lower border of the second sacral vertebra below
- Separated from pia mater by the subarachnoid space
- Sends delicate thread-like processes across the subarachnoid space to the pia mater
Subarachnoid Space
- Relatively large space between arachnoid mater and pia mater
- Filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which forms about half of the total volume of CSF (75 ml out of 150 ml)
- Communicates with the subarachnoid space around the brain at the foramen magnum
- Below the level of conus medullaris, the space is quite roomy (called lumbar cistern) and contains only cauda equina and filum terminale in a pool of CSF
- Lumbar puncture is usually done in this region between the L3 and L4 vertebra
Spinal Pia Mater
- Vascular membrane that closely invests the spinal cord
- Modified at some places to form processes of pia mater
Processes of Pia Mater
- Filum terminale: delicate thin thread-like prolongation of pia mater beyond the conus medullaris
- About 20 cm long and extends from the tip of conus medullaris to the base of the coccyx
- Divided into two parts: filum terminale internum and filum terminale externum
- Ligamenta denticulata: narrow, ribbon-like, transparent bands that form on each side between the dorsal and ventral nerve roots
- Lateral margin of each ligamentum denticulatum sends 21 teeth-like projections, which pass through the subarachnoid space and arachnoid mater to gain attachment on the inner surface of the dural tube
- Helps to anchor the spinal cord in the middle of the subarachnoid space
- Linea splendens: thickened band of pia mater along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord
- Subarachnoid septum: fenestrated pial septum in the midsagittal plane, which connects the pia mater with arachnoid mater posteriorly
Meninges Surrounding the Spinal Cord
- The spinal cord is surrounded by three meninges: spinal dura mater, spinal arachnoid mater, and spinal pia mater.
Spinal Dura Mater
- Extends from foramen magnum to the lower border of S2 vertebra
- Attached firmly to the foramen magnum, the tectorial membrane, and the posterior longitudinal ligament on the body of axis vertebra
- Elsewhere, it lies free in the vertebral canal
- Pierced segmentally by dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal nerves
- Prolonged over these roots as sleeve-like projections, which enter the intervertebral foramina and end by fusing with the epineurium of the spinal nerves
- Recurrent meningeal branches of the spinal nerves supply the spinal dura
Subdural Space
- Potential space between the spinal dura and arachnoid mater
- Contains a thin film of serous fluid, which acts as a lubricant
- Prolonged to a short distance around the roots of the spinal nerves
Spinal Arachnoid Mater
- Thin, transparent, vascular membrane that loosely invests the spinal cord
- Continuous with the arachnoid mater surrounding the brain above
- Extends up to the lower border of the second sacral vertebra below
- Separated from pia mater by the subarachnoid space
- Sends delicate thread-like processes across the subarachnoid space to the pia mater
Subarachnoid Space
- Relatively large space between arachnoid mater and pia mater
- Filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which forms about half of the total volume of CSF (75 ml out of 150 ml)
- Communicates with the subarachnoid space around the brain at the foramen magnum
- Below the level of conus medullaris, the space is quite roomy (called lumbar cistern) and contains only cauda equina and filum terminale in a pool of CSF
- Lumbar puncture is usually done in this region between the L3 and L4 vertebra
Spinal Pia Mater
- Vascular membrane that closely invests the spinal cord
- Modified at some places to form processes of pia mater
Processes of Pia Mater
- Filum terminale: delicate thin thread-like prolongation of pia mater beyond the conus medullaris
- About 20 cm long and extends from the tip of conus medullaris to the base of the coccyx
- Divided into two parts: filum terminale internum and filum terminale externum
- Ligamenta denticulata: narrow, ribbon-like, transparent bands that form on each side between the dorsal and ventral nerve roots
- Lateral margin of each ligamentum denticulatum sends 21 teeth-like projections, which pass through the subarachnoid space and arachnoid mater to gain attachment on the inner surface of the dural tube
- Helps to anchor the spinal cord in the middle of the subarachnoid space
- Linea splendens: thickened band of pia mater along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord
- Subarachnoid septum: fenestrated pial septum in the midsagittal plane, which connects the pia mater with arachnoid mater posteriorly
Meninges Surrounding the Spinal Cord
- The spinal cord is surrounded by three meninges: spinal dura mater, spinal arachnoid mater, and spinal pia mater.
Spinal Dura Mater
- Extends from foramen magnum to the lower border of S2 vertebra
- Attached firmly to the foramen magnum, the tectorial membrane, and the posterior longitudinal ligament on the body of axis vertebra
- Elsewhere, it lies free in the vertebral canal
- Pierced segmentally by dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal nerves
- Prolonged over these roots as sleeve-like projections, which enter the intervertebral foramina and end by fusing with the epineurium of the spinal nerves
- Recurrent meningeal branches of the spinal nerves supply the spinal dura
Subdural Space
- Potential space between the spinal dura and arachnoid mater
- Contains a thin film of serous fluid, which acts as a lubricant
- Prolonged to a short distance around the roots of the spinal nerves
Spinal Arachnoid Mater
- Thin, transparent, vascular membrane that loosely invests the spinal cord
- Continuous with the arachnoid mater surrounding the brain above
- Extends up to the lower border of the second sacral vertebra below
- Separated from pia mater by the subarachnoid space
- Sends delicate thread-like processes across the subarachnoid space to the pia mater
Subarachnoid Space
- Relatively large space between arachnoid mater and pia mater
- Filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which forms about half of the total volume of CSF (75 ml out of 150 ml)
- Communicates with the subarachnoid space around the brain at the foramen magnum
- Below the level of conus medullaris, the space is quite roomy (called lumbar cistern) and contains only cauda equina and filum terminale in a pool of CSF
- Lumbar puncture is usually done in this region between the L3 and L4 vertebra
Spinal Pia Mater
- Vascular membrane that closely invests the spinal cord
- Modified at some places to form processes of pia mater
Processes of Pia Mater
- Filum terminale: delicate thin thread-like prolongation of pia mater beyond the conus medullaris
- About 20 cm long and extends from the tip of conus medullaris to the base of the coccyx
- Divided into two parts: filum terminale internum and filum terminale externum
- Ligamenta denticulata: narrow, ribbon-like, transparent bands that form on each side between the dorsal and ventral nerve roots
- Lateral margin of each ligamentum denticulatum sends 21 teeth-like projections, which pass through the subarachnoid space and arachnoid mater to gain attachment on the inner surface of the dural tube
- Helps to anchor the spinal cord in the middle of the subarachnoid space
- Linea splendens: thickened band of pia mater along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord
- Subarachnoid septum: fenestrated pial septum in the midsagittal plane, which connects the pia mater with arachnoid mater posteriorly
This quiz covers the three layers of meninges surrounding the spinal cord, their functions, and the spaces between them.
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