Intermediate Dura Mater Quiz

Q1. How does spinal dura differ from cranial dura in its relationship to bone?

• Cranial dura has a larger normal epidural space
• Spinal dura is fused to vertebral bone everywhere
• Spinal dura is separated from vertebral periosteum by a true epidural space
• Spinal dura contains no connective tissue

Q2. What happens to spinal dura as spinal nerve roots approach the intervertebral foramina?

• It enters the vertebral bodies
• It forms dural root sleeves
• It becomes the annulus fibrosus
• It terminates before reaching any nerve root

Q3. Why is the spinal subdural space called a potential space?

• It contains the spinal cord
• It is normally filled with epidural fat
• It is always filled with CSF
• Dura and arachnoid are normally apposed

Q4. Which venous structures within the epidural space are clinically important because they are valveless?

• Pulmonary veins
• Internal vertebral venous plexuses
• Great saphenous vein
• Hepatic portal vein

Q5. Why can an epidural anesthetic be delivered without intentionally entering the subarachnoid space?

• The dura contains a natural opening at every lumbar level
• The epidural space lies outside the dura
• The epidural space is inside the pia
• The subarachnoid space lies outside the vertebral canal

Q6. What happens to the dura around the spinal cord below the conus medullaris?

• It ends exactly with the spinal cord
• It continues around the lumbar cistern to about S2
• It becomes the posterior longitudinal ligament
• It enters the sacral vertebral bodies

Q7. Which structure passes through the inferior end of the dural sac and continues toward the coccyx?

• Denticulate ligament
• Ligamentum flavum
• Posterior spinal artery only
• Filum terminale

Q8. Which structures are enclosed within the dural sac in the lumbar cistern?

• Paraspinal muscles
• Lumbar vertebral bodies
• Epidural fat and vertebral venous plexuses only
• CSF, cauda equina, and filum terminale internum

Q9. Which layer must a lumbar puncture needle pierce immediately before entering the subarachnoid space?

• Arachnoid mater
• Posterior longitudinal ligament
• Pia mater
• Anterior longitudinal ligament

Q10. What is the principal mechanical role of spinal dura?

• It produces all cerebrospinal fluid
• It forms a strong protective meningeal sleeve
• It generates spinal nerve impulses
• It forms vertebral bone