Intermediate Meninges Quiz

Q1. Which sequence correctly orders the spinal meninges from superficial to deep?

• Arachnoid, pia, dura
• Dura, arachnoid, pia
• Dura, pia, arachnoid
• Pia, dura, arachnoid

Q2. Why is the spinal subdural space described as a potential space?

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

Q3. Which structures are found in the spinal epidural space?

• CSF and cauda equina only
• Spinal cord gray matter
• Denticulate ligaments only
• Fat and internal vertebral venous plexuses

Q4. Why is lumbar puncture usually performed below the level of the conus medullaris?

• To access CSF while reducing the risk of injuring the spinal cord
• Because no nerve roots exist below L2
• Because the dura ends at L1
• Because CSF exists only in the lumbar region

Q5. Which meningeal layers extend laterally around proximal spinal nerve roots?

• Dura and arachnoid
• Pia only
• Vertebral periosteum only
• Ligamentum flavum and dura

Q6. What is the relationship between arachnoid and pia?

• They are separated by the CSF-filled subarachnoid space
• They are fused throughout
• Epidural fat lies between them
• Dura lies between them

Q7. What do arachnoid trabeculae connect?

• Dura to vertebral periosteum
• Spinous processes to laminae
• Arachnoid mater to pia mater
• Adjacent vertebral bodies

Q8. Where is the filum terminale internum located?

• In the epidural space from C1 to C7
• Inside the central canal to the coccyx
• Within the dural sac from the conus to about S2
• Outside the vertebral canal

Q9. How does the spinal epidural space differ from the cranial epidural space under normal conditions?

• Both are large CSF-filled spaces
• The spinal epidural space is a true space, while the cranial one is normally potential
• The cranial space contains more epidural fat
• The spinal epidural space lies between arachnoid and pia

Q10. Which structures occupy the lumbar cistern?

• Spinal cord only
• Epidural fat and venous plexuses
• Lumbar vertebral bodies
• CSF, cauda equina roots, and filum terminale internum