Corpus: Falx cerebri

The falx cerebri is a dural septum that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

The falx cerebri runs in the median plane and extends deeply into the longitudinal cerebral fissure. Anteriorly, it attaches to the frontal crest or crista galli near the cribriform plate. Posteriorly, its fibers extend into the internal occipital protuberance. The falx cerebri ends just above the corpus callosum, including the inferior sagittal sinus in its free edge.

In the region of the skull roof, the falx merges into the dural layer lining the skull, including the superior sagittal sinus.

The falx cerebri divides the brain into two separate compartments, preventing significant displacement of the brain during lateral acceleration forces. Along with the tentorium cerebelli, it forms a tension belt system that mechanically stabilizes the cranial vault from within.

The falx cerebri is a common site for the development of meningiomas, which can displace brain tissue unilaterally or bilaterally as they grow.

In older patients, calcifications of the falx cerebri are often seen on radiological examinations, but have no pathological significance.