Brain Falx Midline

Falx Cerebri: Anatomy, Function, and Clinical Significance

Definition

The falx cerebri is a double-layered, sickle-shaped structure made of dura mater that separates the two hemispheres of the brain.

Function

The primary function of the falx cerebri is to:

• Divide the cranial cavity into right and left compartments.
• Prevent the cerebral hemispheres from collapsing onto each other.
• Provide a surgical landmark for accessing the lateral ventricles.

Anatomy

The falx cerebri extends from the frontal to the occipital bone, with its posterior margin free to move with the brain's movement.

It consists of two layers:

• An outer, periosteal layer that attaches to the inner surface of the skull.
• An inner, meningeal layer that lines the dura mater of the brain.

Clinical Significance

Agenesis or partial agenesis of the falx cerebri is a rare condition that can result in the cerebral hemispheres adhering and causing midline transcallosal surgical difficulties.

Furthermore, the falx cerebri serves as a surgical landmark for:

• Accessing the lateral ventricles via the interhemispheric transcallosal approach.
• Resecting tumors and lesions in the midline of the brain.