Falx Cerebri: Anatomy, Function And Clinical Relations

Briefly describe falx cerebri.
Answer.

Falx Cerebri is a large, sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that lies in the median longitudinal fissure between the two cerebral hemispheres.

Falx Cerebri Features It presents two ends – anterior and posterior; two margins – upper and lower; and two surfaces – right and left.

Falx Cerebri Anterior end: It is narrow and attached to the frontal crest of the frontal bone and crista galli of the ethmoid bone.

Falx Cerebri Posterior end: It is broad and attached along the median plane to the upper surface of the tentorium cerebelli.

Falx Cerebri Upper attached margin: It is convex and attached to the lips of the sagittal sulcus on the inner aspect of the cranial vault as far back as the internal occipital protuberance.

Falx Cerebri Lower free margin: It is concave, free and lies close to the corpus callosum.

Falx Cerebri Right and left surfaces: Each of these surfaces is related to the medial surface of the corresponding cerebral hemisphere.

Venous Sinus Enclosed In The Falx Cerebri

Superior sagittal sinus along the upper margin
Inferior sagittal sinus along the lower margin
Straight sinus along the line of attachment of the falx cerebri to the tentorium cerebelli

Falx Cerebri Applied Anatomy

Thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus may occur due to the spread of infection into it from the nose, scalp and diploic veins. It interferes with the absorption of CSF, leading to increased intracranial pressure.