Ventricular System and Meninges
Chapter from the book:
Koç Direk,
F.
(ed.)
2025.
Functional Neuroanatomy and Clinical Correlations.
Synopsis
This section covers the meninges, ventricular system, dural venous sinuses, and their clinical implications within their anatomical and functional integrity. The structural characteristics of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater are described together with the epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid spaces. Particular emphasis is placed on the subarachnoid cisterns and the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in relation to the ventricular system. Dural reflections, including the falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, falx cerebelli, and diaphragma sellae, are discussed with respect to their role in separating and stabilizing intracranial compartments. The anatomy of the dural venous sinuses is reviewed, with special attention to the cavernous sinus, its anatomical relations, and the cranial nerves and internal carotid artery traversing this region. Venous drainage of the brain and meninges primarily occurs via the internal jugular veins; however, additional pathways exist through the valveless emissary veins (vv. emissaria), which connect extracranial veins with dural venous sinuses. These connections are of clinical importance, as they provide potential routes for the spread of scalp infections into the cranial cavity. Finally, intracranial hemorrhages are classified according to meningeal spaces as epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, and intracerebral hemorrhages. The anatomical basis, mechanisms, and major clinical consequences of each type are summarized, highlighting the close relationship between neuroanatomical structures and clinical manifestations.
