Cranial cavity

Definition

The cranial cavity is a hollow space within the skull that encases and protects the brain. It is formed by the cranium's eight bones and contains membranes, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid which cushion the brain.

Related terms

Cranium: The part of the skull that encloses the brain, made up of eight bones that are fused together.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): A clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord, providing essential cushioning for the brain within the cranial cavity.

Meninges: Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that cover the brain and spinal cord within the cranial cavity and spinal canal