title: The cranial meninges: anatomic considerations.
abstract: The anatomy of the cranial dura and leptomeninges is both intricate and complex. A thorough discussion of the protective covering of the brain including the dura, arachnoid, and pia is provided on both gross and microscopic levels. An attempt to include issues of clinical relevance is made, highlighting the Virchow-Robin spaces and the optic sheath. In addition, the normal appearance of the dura and leptomeninges on MRI is presented to establish a framework for the discussion of leptomeningeal pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, NY 11030.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cinnamon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hyman
mesh_terms: D001099:Arachnoid / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008578:Meninges / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply; D010841:Pia Mater / Q000033:anatomy & histology