The correct spelling of the word "pial funnel" is pronounced as /paɪl ˈfʌn(ə)l/. The first part of the word, "pial," refers to the pia mater - a thin, delicate membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. The second part of the word, "funnel," refers to a cone-shaped object used to direct liquid or powder into a small opening. Together, "pial funnel" describes a narrow passage in the pia mater that connects the outer surface of the brain to the spaces within it.
Pial funnel is a medical term used to describe a specific anatomical feature of the brain. The word "pial" refers to the pia mater, which is the innermost layer of the meninges - the protective covering that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The word "funnel" in this context denotes a conical or narrowing shape.
In the context of neuroanatomy, the pial funnel refers to the area where the pia mater tapers and becomes more closely adhered to the brain surface. It usually occurs at regions along the cerebral cortex, such as the gyrus or sulcus. This narrowing of the pia mater creates a funnel-like appearance, which is often more pronounced in certain areas of the brain.
The pial funnel is of clinical interest because it can serve as a landmark for surgeons during neurosurgical procedures. It provides a distinctive visual marker that can aid in identifying specific structures and regions of the brain. Additionally, the pial funnel can help guide surgeons to the appropriate area for accessing and manipulating the brain tissue.
Understanding the pial funnel is crucial for neurosurgeons, as it allows them to accurately navigate the brain and perform precise procedures. Furthermore, knowledge of the pial funnel can aid in the interpretation of neuroimaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), where the pial funnel might be visible as a characteristic narrowing or tapering of the pia mater along the brain surface.
A loose adventitia, continued from the pia mater, which invests any one of the blood vessels in the nervous substance of the brain or spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.