pericranium
1
9.9
A thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of the skull bones
- noun
- /ˌpɛrɪˈkreɪniəm/
- Specialized
:
pericráneo
- The pericranium plays an important role in protecting the bones of the skull.
Examples
-
The surgeon carefully detached the pericranium from the skull to access the underlying bone.
-
The contusion on his head has perforated the internal membrane of the occiput and divided that radical small minute invisible nerve which coheres to the pericranium.
Academic text (1990) -
After the accident, the doctor examined the pericranium for any signs of damage or swelling.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A strong thin layer that covers most bones and has nerves and blood vessels for muscles and tendons to attach
is limited to the skull bones outer surface rather than most bones
Surface Forms
pericranium singular
pericrania plural
Morphology
Etymology
The word pericranium breaks into peri- meaning 'around', the same 'peri-' you see in perimeter, and cranium meaning 'skull'. So pericranium is the thin covering that goes 'around the skull' and covers the outer surface of the skull bones.