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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Subdural space
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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Subdural space

Subdural space

Author: Christina Loukopoulou, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: April 24, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Meninges of the brain [11:40]
Meninges and superficial vessels of the brain.
Subdural space
Spatium subdurale
Synonyms: Subdural cavity, Cavum subdurale

The subdural space is a potential space between the dura mater and the underlying arachnoid mater. 

Under normal conditions, there is no occurring space between the dura and arachnoid mater. It's rather a thin and weak cell layer. After a trauma or a pathological condition, this space can come into existence. 

The subdural space found within the skull has bridging veins carrying blood from the cerebral veins to the dural venous sinuses. With old age, the brain tissue shrinks and atrophies leading to increased venous tension. Consequently, this results in the veins rupturing hemorrhages within the subdural space. In addition, hematomas in this area, can occur after of a forceful impact to the head (such as hitting the dashboard or windshield in a car accident), causing the brain to shift suddenly within the skull. Occasionally, the triggering trauma may be minor or forgotten. These hemorrhages typically stem from veins and frequently involve the tearing of a superior cerebral vein as it enters the superior sagittal sinus. 

Terminology English: Subdural space
Synonym: Subdural cavity

Latin: Spatium subdurale
Synonym: Cavum subdurale
Definition The subdural space is a potential space between the dura mater and the underlying arachnoid mater.

Would you like to learn more about the cranial meninges? Then dive straight into the following study unit:

Cranial meninges Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Crossman, A.R., Neary, D. (2014). Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text (5th ed.). Manchester, MCR: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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