1. The membrane of connective tissue that covers the outer surface of the skull.
Usage: anatomy; medical

Examples

• The pericranium is a tough, fibrous layer that adheres closely to the bone of the skull.
• Surgeons must carefully separate the pericranium during cranial procedures.
• The pericranium provides blood supply to the outer layers of the skull.
• Injuries to the pericranium can result in subperiosteal hematomas.
• The pericranium helps protect the underlying bone from infection and trauma.