Chapter 11, Section 1

Meninges and Ventricles

INTRODUCTION

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord

• A nucleus (sing. nucleus) refers to a group of cell bodies within the CNS

•e.g. dentate nucleus

• A tract is a group of axons within the CNS

•e.g. corticospinal tract

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of cranial and spinal nerves

• A ganglion is a group of cell bodies within the PNS

•e.g. dorsal root ganglion

• A nerve is a group of axons, along with their protective sheaths, in the PNS

•e.g. sciatic nerve

MENINGES

The meninges is a three-layered membrane that surrounds the

brain and spinal cord.

1. Dura Mater “tough mother”

• Tough outer layer of meninges

• Dense connective tissue with many blood vessels and nerves

• Forms dural sinuses that drain venous blood from the brain.• Forms dural sinuses that drain venous blood from the brain.

2. Arachnoid Mater “spider-web like”

• Subarachnoid space

• Space between arachnoid and pia mater filled with

Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)

3. Pia Mater “gentle mother”

• Thin membrane with many nerves and blood vessels

• Membrane is attached to surface of brain and spinal cord.

Figure 11.1 Meninges (a) membranes called meninges enclose the brain and

spinal cord. (b) the meninges include three layers: dura mater, arachnoid

mater, and pia mater. Note the dural sinus formed by the dura mater.

Figure 11.2 Meninges of the spinal cord. (a) three layers of

the meninges . (b) a small space (epidural space) fills the

space between the dura mater and the vertebra.

VENTRICLES AND

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID

Interconnected cavities, called ventricles lie in

the cerebral hemispheres and the brainstem.

Ventricles are continuous with the central canal of the

spinal cord and are filled with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF).

4 Ventricles:

•2 Lateral ventricles•2 Lateral ventricles

•1st ventricle in left cerebral hemisphere

• 2nd ventricle in the right cerebral hemisphere

• Lateral ventricles are connected by interventricular foramina.

•Third ventricle

•Midline of brain, surrounding the diencephalon

• Cerebral aqueduct connects 3rd and 4th ventricles

•Fourth ventricle

•Within brainstem, just anterior to cerebellum

Figure 11.3 Ventricles in the brain. (a) anterior view. (b) lateral view.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

CSF is secreted by specialized capillaries called Choroid Plexuses

• CSF complete surrounds brain and spinal cord

• Ependymal cells regulate composition of CSF

• CSF functions as a nutritive and protective fluid.

Figure 10.4 (a) choroid

plexuses in ventricle

walls secrete CSF. The

fluid circulates through

ventricles and central

canal.

Spinal Tap

The spinal cord ends near the 2nd Lumbar vertebra. The

arachnoid and dura maters continue to the 2nd Sacral vertebra.

Thecal Sac –

space beyond spinal cord filled with CSF.

Spinal taps (Lumbar punctures) and spinal

blocks are usually given below the 4th

lumbar vertebra to avoid puncturing the

spinal cord.

End of Chapter 11, Section 1