Pacchionian foramen

Pacchionian Foramen is a term used in Anatomy to describe a small opening or passage in the human skull. It is named after the Italian anatomist, Antonio Pacchioni, who first described it in the 18th century.

Overview

The Pacchionian Foramen is a small, naturally occurring hole in the skull, located near the sagittal suture. It is not always present in every individual and its size can vary. The foramen is associated with the meninges, specifically the arachnoid granulations, which are small protrusions of the arachnoid (the middle layer of the meninges) through the dura mater (the outermost layer). These granulations allow for the passage of cerebrospinal fluid from the subarachnoid space to the dural sinuses.

Function

The primary function of the Pacchionian Foramen is to allow for the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space into the superior sagittal sinus. This process is crucial for maintaining the balance of CSF in the brain and spinal cord, and for the removal of waste products from the brain.

Clinical Significance

In some cases, the Pacchionian Foramen can be a site of pathology. For example, it can become enlarged or obstructed, leading to conditions such as hydrocephalus or meningitis. Additionally, it can be a site of entry for infections or tumors into the brain.

See Also

• Antonio Pacchioni
• Arachnoid granulations
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Hydrocephalus
• Meningitis

References

• Anatomy of the Human Body. Henry Gray. 1918.
• Neuroanatomy: An Atlas of Structures, Sections, and Systems. Duane E. Haines. 2008.