Lab 1 - Overview of the Nervous System
Pia-Arachnoid
The subdural space separates the dura mater from the delicate arachnoid (spider’s web) below. Like the dura, the arachnoid covers the brain but does not follow the contours of its surface. Contrarily, the innermost pia mater is closely adhered to the surface of the brain following all of its contours. A lattice-work of arachnoid trabeculae extends from the arachnoid to the pia traversing the subarachnoid space, which is normally filled with CSF. In areas where the arachnoid and pia are widely separated, subarachnoid cisterns form. The cerebellomedullary cistern or cisterna magna is located between the base of the cerebellum and the medulla.