Scalp Galea Bursa

bursa subgalealis

The subgaleal space is the layer of loose connective tissue between the galea aponeurotica and the pericranium. It lets the scalp slide over the skull and is the plane used to raise scalp flaps. Because it is continuous across the vault, blood or infection here spreads widely (subgaleal haematoma).

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Scalp, between the galea aponeurotica and the pericranium
Boundaries	Galea aponeurotica and occipitofrontalis (outer) Pericranium (inner) Superior nuchal lines (behind), supraorbital margins (front), temporal lines (sides)
Contents	Loose connective tissue Emissary veins passing to the diploic veins and dural sinuses

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Lets the outer three scalp layers slide over the skull. Blood or pus spreads freely in it, and infection can reach the skull and dural sinuses through the emissary veins.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The subgaleal space is the site of subgaleal haematoma in neonates (caput succedaneum variant), which unlike cephalhaematoma crosses suture lines and can hold the entire neonatal blood volume. In adults, subgaleal haematoma from blunt trauma or anticoagulation may produce dramatic scalp fluctuance extending from the orbital ridges to the occiput. Subgaleal abscess from scalp infection can track widely and spread to the intracranial compartment via emissary veins.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Subgaleal Haematoma

Blood collection in the subgaleal bursal space crossing suture lines and potentially involving the entire scalp vault, causing significant haemorrhage in neonates and anticoagulated adults.

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