Pericranium

Pericranium

The Pericranium is a membrane that covers the outer surface of the skull. It is the external layer of the cranial dura mater, one of the meninges that protect the brain. The pericranium is dense and fibrous, and it serves as a source of osteoblasts, the cells that form new bone tissue, during growth and healing.

Structure

The pericranium is the outermost layer of the dura mater, which is the toughest and most fibrous of the three meninges. It is closely adhered to the bones of the skull, and it is continuous with the periosteum of the rest of the skeleton at the base of the skull.

Function

The pericranium serves several important functions:

• It provides a protective layer for the skull.
• It serves as a source of osteoblasts for bone growth and repair.
• It provides a route for blood vessels to reach the skull.

Clinical significance

Damage to the pericranium can lead to a variety of medical conditions, including hematoma, infection, and osteomyelitis. In some cases, the pericranium can be used in surgical procedures to repair damaged areas of the skull.

See also

• Cranium
• Dura mater
• Meninges
• Osteoblast

References

Pericranium Resources
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