Epidural space

Epidural Space

The Epidural Space (pronounced: eh-pi-doo-ral space) is an anatomical feature present in the human body, specifically within the spinal column.

Etymology

The term "Epidural" is derived from the Greek words "epi", meaning "upon" or "over", and "dura", short for "dura mater", the tough outermost membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Thus, "Epidural Space" refers to the space located above or outside the dura mater.

Definition

The Epidural Space is the area between the dura mater and the vertebral wall, containing fat and small blood vessels. The space is located just outside the dural sac and extends from the skull base to the sacral hiatus.

Related Terms

Dura Mater: The outermost, toughest, and most fibrous of the three membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord.
Subdural Space: A potential space that can exist between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater of the meninges.
Spinal Cord: The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies within the vertebral canal and from which the spinal nerves emerge.
Sacral Hiatus: An opening at the end of the sacral canal which serves as an exit point for the sacral nerves and the filum terminale.

Clinical Significance

The Epidural Space is clinically significant as it is the area into which anesthetic is injected during an epidural anesthesia to induce numbness and pain relief in the lower half of the body. This procedure is commonly used during childbirth and for pain management in certain types of surgery or injury.