title: An investigation into the regulation of intra-cranial pressure and its influence upon the surrounding cranial bones.
abstract: The aim of this study is to present a rational coherent hypothesis to explain the palpable involuntary movements of the cranium. The arterial and venous anatomy inside and around the skull and spinal column presents a complete vascular system with the capacity to regulate intra-cranial pressure to a level of equilibrium slightly higher than atmospheric pressure. Variations in cerebrospinal fluid (csf) pressure control the volume of blood draining through the cavernous sinus and hence into the inter-vertebral venous plexus in relation to the jugular vein. Stable intra-cranial pressure is maintained by a controlled release of venous blood through the inter-vertebral venous plexus (slow) and the jugular vein (fast) in the cavernous sinus. Any distortion of the skull from its healthy state will lead to reduced intra-cranial volume. The process of release from the state of compression has been interpreted as "cranial rhythm" but may be a mechanical adjustment increasing the internal volume of the skull, aided by the continual maintenance of stable intracranial pressure. This involuntary movement is capable of being assisted manually.
authors.affiliation: ggard@supanet.com
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gard
mesh_terms: D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D026301:Manipulation, Osteopathic; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*