External table of calvaria
Lamina externa calvariae
- Synonym: Outer table
- Related terms: External table; External table (Calvaria)
Definition
The outer layer of the cranial bones is known as the external table of calvaria. It is a thick and sturdy cortical or compact bone. Additionally, the calvaria also includes an inner layer called the internal table of the calvaria, which is also a cortical bone, however, in contrast to the external table, the internal table is thinner, denser, and more delicate. Together, these two layers enclose a spongy (or cancellous bony) region called the diploe. The external table of calvaria is oriented towards the periosteum, while the internal table faces the endosteal layer of the dura mater.
References
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Harrison, R.A., Nam, J.Y., Weathers, S-P, and DeMonte, F. (2018). Chapter 14 - Intracranial dural, calvarial, and skull base metastases, In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Editor(s): David Schiff, Martin J. van den Bent, Elsevier, Vol. 149, pp. 205-225. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-811161-1.00014-1.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 1: The Body’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 15.
