Falcine

Anatomy

The falcine is a term used to describe structures related to the falx cerebri, a sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that descends vertically in the longitudinal fissure between the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain. The falx cerebri is one of the three major folds of the dura mater, the other two being the tentorium cerebelli and the falx cerebelli.

Anatomy

The falx cerebri is attached to the crista galli of the ethmoid bone in the front and to the internal occipital protuberance in the back. It contains the superior sagittal sinus and the inferior sagittal sinus, which are important venous channels that drain blood from the brain.

Function

The primary function of the falx cerebri is to provide a partition between the two cerebral hemispheres, helping to stabilize the brain within the skull. This partitioning helps to limit the movement of the brain within the skull, providing protection against trauma.

Clinical Significance

Lesions or abnormalities in the falcine region can lead to various medical conditions. For example, a falcine meningioma is a type of meningioma that occurs along the falx cerebri. These tumors can cause symptoms by compressing adjacent brain structures.

Related Structures

• Falx cerebelli
• Tentorium cerebelli
• Superior sagittal sinus
• Inferior sagittal sinus
• Dura mater

See Also

• Meninges
• Cerebral hemispheres
• Brain
• Cerebrospinal fluid