IV.A.5 Head & Back: Meninges Page 1 of 3

Objectives:

1.5.1 Identify the major coverings (meninges) of the spinal cord.

1.5.2 Identify and compare the meninges in the cranial cavity and spinal canal.

1.5.3 Indicate the relationship of the meninges to the vertebral canal, cerebral spinal fluid, nerve roots, and spinal cord.

Assigned Readings:

Moore's COA: Pages 130-137, 873-880. See the blue boxes on pages 137-139 for clinical correlations. See the yellow box on page 139 for "The Bottom Line."

Neuroanatomy: Pages 126-132.


	Step 1: Begin with the spinal cord.
	Step 2: Add the spinal dura mater.

Is the spinal dura mater continuous with the cranial dura mater?

Yes


	What is the difference between the attachment of the dura mater to the cranium and attachment of the spinal dura mater in the spinal column?
The cranial dura mater has two layers with one layer (periosteal layer) attached to the bone. The spinal cord dura mater only has one layer and is not attached to the bones of the vertebral column.


	As a follow up, what is the significance of the single vs. double layer of dura mater? Discuss.