The dura mater, as a component of the meninges, is the outermost layer that separates and encloses the brain and spinal cord from the skull and spinal canal, respectively.
Terminology
The term subdural is used to describe processes located beneath the dura, whereas the term epidural is used for processes located above the dura.
Cranial dura mater
The cranial dura mater is the part of the dura mater that surrounds the brain and continues into the spinal dura mater at the foramen magnum.
Blood supply of the cranial dura mater
The cranial dura mater receives its blood supply from three main vessels:
Innervation of the cranial dura mater
In contrast to the brain, the dura mater is highly sensitive to pain and is primarily innervated by the following nerves:
- Branches of the trigeminal nerve
- Branches of the vagus nerve supplying the posterior cranial fossa
Spinal dura mater
The term spinal dura mater refers to the portion of the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord. The spinal dura mater begins at the foramen magnum and extends caudally from there.
