Pericranium

Pericranium

  • Latin synonym: Periosteum externum cranii

Definition

The pericranium refers to the periosteum that covers the external surface of the bones in the skull. It is the deepest layer of the scalp composed of dense irregular connective tissue. The pericranium firmly attaches to the bony skull, providing essential vascular support to it.

Notably the human scalp comprises five distinct layers. The loose areolar connective tissue layer, positioned directly above the pericranium, acts as a separator from the remaining three layers of the scalp, which include the aponeurotic layer, dense connective tissue, and the skin.

References

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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 8: Head and Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 819-821.

  • Tajran, J. and Gosman, A.A. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Scalp. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551565/