ARACHNOID SPACE Meaning and
Definition
-
The arachnoid space is an anatomical cavity situated between the arachnoid mater and pia mater, two of the three protective membranes called meninges that surround and protect the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is located within the subarachnoid space, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The arachnoid mater is a thin, avascular membrane that lies between the more superficial dura mater and the deeper pia mater.
The arachnoid space is crucial for the circulatory and protective functions of the central nervous system. Its primary function is to provide a protective cushioning for the brain and spinal cord, preventing them from suffering pressure-induced damage. The cerebrospinal fluid within the arachnoid space acts as both a shock absorber and a means of transporting essential nutrients and removing metabolic waste products.
Additionally, the arachnoid space contains blood vessels called arachnoid trabeculae, which serve as a supporting framework for the arachnoid membrane. These trabeculae help to maintain the structure and integrity of the meninges, ensuring that they are properly positioned and functioning optimally.
Various medical procedures, such as lumbar punctures and spinal anesthesia, involve accessing the arachnoid space to obtain samples of cerebrospinal fluid or deliver medications directly to the central nervous system.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ARACHNOID SPACE
- zrachnoid space
- srachnoid space
- wrachnoid space
- qrachnoid space
- aeachnoid space
- adachnoid space
- afachnoid space
- atachnoid space
- a5achnoid space
- a4achnoid space
- arzchnoid space
- arschnoid space
- arwchnoid space
- arqchnoid space
- araxhnoid space
- aravhnoid space
- arafhnoid space
- aradhnoid space
- aracgnoid space
- aracbnoid space
Etymology of ARACHNOID SPACE
The word "arachnoid" is derived from the Greek word "aráchnē", meaning "spider". It is called so because this particular layer of the meninges, which is the protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, has a web-like structure resembling a spider's web.
The word "space" refers to the anatomical space between the arachnoid mater (the middle layer of the meninges) and the pia mater (the innermost layer of the meninges). Hence, the term "arachnoid space" describes the area between these two layers.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
