Final answer:
A hematoma is a blood collection between the skull and dura, commonly occurring when the middle meningeal artery is damaged by a skull fracture near the pterion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and dura, often associated with a skull fracture where bone fragments can lacerate meningeal arteries. The middle meningeal artery is most commonly affected in cases where there is a traumatic blow to the lateral side of the head, particularly around the pterion, which is a region where the middle meningeal artery runs immediately deep to the skull on the inside. When this artery is damaged, it can lead to an accumulation of blood that puts pressure on the brain, known as an epidural hematoma. Symptoms of a hematoma may not be immediate but can result in serious complications or death if not treated promptly.