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    From Nervous System

    Tectum
    Dorsal part of midbrain controlling visual and auditory reflexes.
    Cerebral Aqueduct
    Connects third and fourth ventricles.
    Dura Mater
    Tough outer meningeal layer.
    Hypothalamus
    Regulates autonomic functions, hormones, and homeostasis.
    Fourth Ventricle
    Cavity between brainstem and cerebellum.
    Diaphragma Sellae
    Covers the pituitary gland.
    Arachnoid Mater
    Middle meningeal layer.
    Cauda Equina
    Bundle of spinal nerves below the conus medullaris.
    Cerebellar Peduncles
    Connect the cerebellum to the brainstem.
    Pia Mater
    Innermost layer of meninges.
    Cerebral Peduncles
    Connect the cerebrum to the brainstem.
    Sacral Plexus
    Nerve network for pelvis and lower limb.
    Amygdala
    Involved in emotion and memory.
    Fornix
    Fiber tract involved in memory.
    Temporal Lobe
    Involved in auditory perception and memory.
    Cervical Spinal Cord
    Upper part of the spinal cord.
    Epithalamus
    Contains the pineal gland, involved in circadian rhythms.
    Foramina of Luschka
    Lateral apertures of fourth ventricle.
    Occipital Lobe
    Responsible for visual processing.
    Cranial Nerves
    Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain.
    Ventral Root
    Carries motor information from spinal cord.
    Cingulate Gyrus
    Processes emotions and behavior regulation.
    Lateral Ventricles
    Paired brain cavities producing CSF.
    Parietal Lobe
    Processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.
    Infundibulum
    Connects hypothalamus to pituitary gland.

    Falx Cerebri

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Dural fold between cerebral hemispheres.

    1. Overview

    The falx cerebri is a sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that extends vertically in the longitudinal fissure of the brain, separating the left and right cerebral hemispheres. It is part of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The falx cerebri plays an important role in stabilizing the brain within the skull by providing structural support and limiting excessive movement. Additionally, it contains the superior sagittal sinus and the inferior sagittal sinus, both of which are important venous channels that drain deoxygenated blood from the brain.

    2. Location

    The falx cerebri is located in the longitudinal fissure, which is the deep groove that divides the two cerebral hemispheres. It runs from the crista galli of the ethmoid bone at the front of the skull to the internal occipital protuberance at the back of the skull. The falx cerebri is positioned just beneath the calvaria (the skullcap) and is attached to the inner surface of the skull. It lies above the corpus callosum, which connects the two cerebral hemispheres, and it also forms a boundary between the two hemispheres along the midline of the brain.

    3. Structure

    The falx cerebri is a thick, curved fold of dura mater that has several important structural features:

    • Sickle-shaped fold: The falx cerebri has a distinct sickle shape, curving downward from the front to the back of the skull. It is thin at the front and gradually becomes thicker as it extends toward the posterior part of the brain.

    • Attachment points: The falx cerebri is anchored to the crista galli at the front (anterior attachment) and the internal occipital protuberance at the back (posterior attachment). These attachment points help stabilize the structure.

    • Venous sinuses: Within the falx cerebri are two important venous sinuses: the superior sagittal sinus and the inferior sagittal sinus. These sinuses are responsible for draining blood from the brain and returning it to the venous system.

    • Membranous structure: The falx cerebri is made up of dense connective tissue and dura mater, which provides a tough and resilient structure that can withstand mechanical stresses and protect the brain.

    4. Function

    The falx cerebri serves several critical functions related to the protection and support of the brain:

    • Separation of cerebral hemispheres: The primary function of the falx cerebri is to separate the left and right cerebral hemispheres. This division ensures that the two hemispheres of the brain are positioned appropriately and are structurally supported within the skull.

    • Stabilization of the brain: By attaching to the skull at both ends, the falx cerebri helps stabilize the brain and prevents excessive movement within the cranial cavity. This stabilization is important for protecting the brain from damage due to sudden shifts or trauma.

    • Venous drainage: The falx cerebri houses two important venous sinuses: the superior sagittal sinus and the inferior sagittal sinus. These sinuses collect deoxygenated blood from the brain and return it to the venous system for reoxygenation in the lungs. The venous drainage system is essential for maintaining proper cerebral circulation and removing metabolic waste products from the brain.

    • Support for the brain's structure: The falx cerebri contributes to the overall structural integrity of the brain, helping to maintain the proper alignment of the cerebral hemispheres. It also supports the brain’s interaction with other structures within the cranial cavity.

    5. Physiological Role(s)

    The physiological roles of the falx cerebri are crucial for maintaining the stability and health of the brain:

    • Protection from trauma: The falx cerebri provides mechanical protection by preventing excessive movement of the brain within the skull. In the event of a head injury, the falx cerebri helps to absorb some of the forces that may otherwise cause damage to the delicate neural tissue of the brain.

    • Blood circulation: The venous sinuses located within the falx cerebri play an essential role in cerebral venous drainage. The superior sagittal sinus, in particular, is a major pathway for blood to return from the brain to the venous system, ensuring proper circulation and maintaining intracranial pressure.

    • Support for cerebral tissue: The falx cerebri acts as a structural support for the brain’s tissue, particularly the cerebral hemispheres. By providing a boundary between the left and right hemispheres, it helps organize the brain’s anatomical layout and supports the brain’s overall integrity.

    • Regulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): The falx cerebri is indirectly involved in regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles. By maintaining the proper positioning of the brain, it helps facilitate the movement and circulation of CSF, which is essential for cushioning the brain and providing nutrients.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The falx cerebri is clinically significant because it is involved in several neurological conditions that can affect the structure and function of the brain. Some key clinical conditions related to the falx cerebri include:

    • Brain herniation: In cases of increased intracranial pressure, such as from traumatic brain injury, tumors, or hydrocephalus, the brain may be pushed against the falx cerebri, leading to a herniation. This can result in compression of brain tissue, leading to severe neurological deficits and even death. One type of brain herniation, called subfalcine herniation, occurs when brain tissue shifts beneath the falx cerebri.

    • Traumatic injury: The falx cerebri may be affected by head trauma, leading to tears, bruising, or other damage to the structure. Injury to the falx cerebri or surrounding dura mater can contribute to subdural hematomas, a condition in which blood collects between the dura mater and the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potentially serious neurological consequences.

    • Venous sinus thrombosis: The venous sinuses located within the falx cerebri, particularly the superior sagittal sinus, can become blocked by a blood clot, leading to venous sinus thrombosis. This condition can cause headaches, vision problems, and increased intracranial pressure, and it may require medical intervention to prevent complications such as stroke or brain damage.

    • Infections: Infections affecting the dura mater or the meninges can involve the falx cerebri, leading to conditions such as meningitis. Infections may cause inflammation and swelling, disrupting the normal function of the falx cerebri and the surrounding brain structures. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these infections.

    • Congenital abnormalities: In rare cases, congenital abnormalities may affect the development or structure of the falx cerebri, leading to abnormal positioning or structural issues in the brain. These abnormalities can contribute to neurological deficits or developmental disorders in children.

    The falx cerebri plays a critical role in protecting and supporting the brain. Damage or dysfunction of this structure can lead to a range of neurological problems, particularly those involving increased intracranial pressure, brain herniation, or venous drainage issues. Early detection and treatment are essential to managing conditions related to the falx cerebri and maintaining brain health.

    Did you know? Neuroplasticity allows the brain to change and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.