Epidural space

The **epidural space** is the anatomical area situated between the dura mater and the inner surface of the vertebral canal (spinal epidural space) or the skull (cranial epidural space)[1][3][7]. It contains fat, loose connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics, and spinal nerve roots[3][7]. The space is clinically important as the site for administration of anesthetic and steroid medications to achieve pain relief or anti-inflammatory effects in a wide range of surgical and medical procedures[2][4][5]. It is not itself a molecular target but a location relevant for drug delivery and intervention.

Other names

peridural spaceextradural spaceepidural cavityspatium epiduraledura-cranial interface (for cranial region)

Not applicable to the space itself; in the context of drug administration, drugs produce effects by blocking nerve conduction (local anesthetics) or reducing inflammation (corticosteroids) when injected into the space