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The term that describes a collection of blood found in the space between the skull and the dura mater is an epidural hematoma. An epidural hematoma typically occurs due to blunt trauma to the head, resulting in the rupture of blood vessels, usually the middle meningeal artery. This causes blood to accumulate in the epidural space, which can rapidly increase intracranial pressure and pose a serious threat to brain function.

Understanding the anatomical locations is key: the epidural space is the area between the outer layer of the meninges (the dura mater) and the skull. This condition is characterized by a "lens-shaped" appearance on imaging studies, which distinguishes it from other types of hematomas.

In contrast, a subdural hematoma occurs beneath the dura mater and often involves a collection of blood from tears in veins. A comminuted fracture refers to a type of fracture where the bone is broken into several pieces, not specifically related to blood accumulation. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue and is not associated with blood collection in the dura mater space. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "epidural hematoma" is the accurate term for this specific condition.