The falx cerebri and the tentorium cerebelli are innervated by the ophtalmic nerve

Innervation of the cranial dura mater:

In the following the innervation of the cranial dura mater is portrayed.

The anterior cranial fossa is innervated by the ophtalmic nerve and the maxillary nerve.

The middle cranial fossa is innervated by the maxillary nerve and the mandibularis nerve.

The posterior cranial fossa is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve, the vagus and the first to the third cervical nerves.

The falx cerebri and the tentorium cerebelli are innervated by the ophtalmic nerve.

To show their functional unity, Sutherland referred to these dural membranes as a “reciprocal tension membrane system”. According to Delaire the horizontal system gives tension to the cranial base and the vertical system gives tension to the vault.

This membrane connects the cranial bones with each other, with the purpose of regulating and limiting the movement of the bones. Each traction on one side of the reciprocally moving membrane changes the whole unity and leads to a new balance.

 Sutherland Fulcrum:

In order to guarantee the balance of the mebranous tension the membranes have to operate from a relaxed point  – the Sutherland fulcrum- a ficticious point along the straight sinus. This suspended floating relaxed point can move automatically and makes it possible for the cranial bones to move in an even, physiological way. The whole intra-cranial and intra-spinal dural tension membrane moves and organizes around this point. It is an automatic shifting suspended fulcrum.  

 Especially during birth and in early childhood these intracranial membranes are the main element guaranteeing the integrity and unity of the skull, the cartilaginous and membranous precursors of the skull bones, and protect the brain.