Falx Cerebelli Research Articles

Venous channels within the intracranial dural partitions.

Complete dura maters exclusive of their midline basilar attachments were obtained by autopsy from persons of all age groups. Vinylite casts of the venous channels in the diaphragma sellae, falx cerebelli, falx cerebri, and tentorium cerebelli were made by injecting a mixture of Vinylite and acetone, after which the specimens were fixed in formalin and subsequently corroded with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Studies showed that the size and position of the channels within the diaphragma sellae were quite constant. Large venous lakes were present in the falx cerebelli and contiguous suboccipital dura mater, and venous pools were also seen connecting the caudal end of the inferior sagittal sinus and the superior sagittal sinus. A great variety of channels were observed in the tentorium cerebelli.

The anterior and posterior meningeal branches of the vertebral artery.

The meningeal branches of the vertebral artery have received little attention in either the radiologic or the anatomic literature. These arteries, which usually are small, may become significantly enlarged in a variety of pathologic conditions. The normal anatomic and roentgen features of these meningeal branches will be reviewed in this communication, and the significance of their enlargement will be discussed. Anatomy Both anterior and posterior meningeal branches of the vertebral artery arise from its extracranial segment to supply a portion of the dura of the posterior fossa. The posterior branch has been described previously (3, 4, 7, 13). It arises from the vertebral artery above the level of the arch of the atlas just below the foramen magnum. This artery supplies the medial portions of the dura of the occipital posterior fossa as well as the falx cerebelli. In addition, it may extend above the tentorium to supply the posterior segment of the falx cerebri and adjacent tentorium. The course and dist...