What’s between my brain and skull?

What’s between my skull and brain?

• The human brain is one of the most complex organs of the human body.
• It is responsible for many important activities happening inside the body as well as responsible for the activities presented by our body.
• Hence, the protection of the brain is very much important.
• This protection is given by the skull.
• Skull is the bony part of the head that encloses the brain and spinal cord for its protection.
• Skull is made up of multiple bones joined together by sutures.

The area present between the skull and brain is filled up by a water-like substance called Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Along with CSF, there are three layers of tissues present, which are collectively called meninges. The main function of meninges is to protect the brain and spinal cord from any injury.

The three layers of meninges are:

1. Pia mater- It is the innermost layer of meninges. It covers the brain and spinal cords as a thin layer of tissue. Its major function is to protect the brain and spinal cord along with the other two layers of meninges. The Pia mater also allows the vessels to enter the brain for its nourishment.
2. Arachnoid Mater- It is the middlemost layer of meninges present between Pia and the inner Dura mater. This layer also helps in the protection of the brain and spinal cord from any sudden impact. The CSF is present in the space called Subarachnoid space. Subarachnoid space is the space between Pia and arachnoid mater. CSF can freely flow in subarachnoid space because of its direct connection to the ventricles (a ventricle is a place where CSF is produced).
3. Dura Mater- It is the outermost layer of meninges. It covers the arachnoid layer as a kind of envelope. Along with the other two layers of meninges, this layer also helps in the protection of the brain and spinal cord. Dural sinuses are also enclosed in this layer.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):

• It is the clear and colourless fluid present around the brain and spinal cord.
• It acts as a cushion and shock absorber around the brain and spinal cord.
• It provides nourishment to the brain and spinal cord.
• It also helps in the removal of waste through cerebral metabolism.
• It is present in the subarachnoid space of meninges and ventricles present in the brain.
• It is produced mainly in the lateral ventricles of the brain.

Fun Facts:

1. Pia Mater means “Tending Mother” in Latin.
2. A total of 400-500 ml of CSF is produced daily.
3. There is only about 8.5 tablespoon of CSF present in the brain, however, the production of CSF is never stopped.

Additional Questions:

1. What are Dural sinuses?
2. Explain the Ventricular system of the brain.
3. Describe the two layers of Dura Mater.

True or False:

1. There is no space present between the brain and the skull.
2. There Five layers of meninges.
3. CSF is a colourful liquid.
4. CSF is present in the Subarachnoid space of meninges.
5. Pia mater is the innermost layer of meninges.

Objective Quiz:

1. The space between brain and skull is filled up by_____________.
   1. Three-layer of meninges and CSF.
   2. Eight layers of meninges and CSF
   3. Just CSF
   4. Blood and CSF.
2. ____________ is the outermost layer of meninges.
   1. Pia Mater.
   2. Arachnoid Mater.
   3. Dura Mater.
   4. Subarachnoid Mater.
3. Subarachnoid space is the space between ____________.
   1. Pia and arachnoid mater.
   2. Arachnoid and Dura mater.
   3. Pia and dura mater.
   4. None of the above.
4. __________ acts as a cushion and shock absorber for the brain and spinal cords.
   1. CSF.
   2. Blood.
   3. Lymph vessels.
   4. Water.
5. CSF are majorly produced in ____________.
   1. Lateral Ventricles.
   2. Arachnoid space.
   3. Brain Stem.
   4. Spinal Cord.