**Core Concept**
Subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury characterized by bleeding into the space between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane. The most common cause of subdural hematoma is related to the anatomy of the cerebral vasculature, particularly the veins that bridge the surface of the brain.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The cortical bridging veins are the most common source of bleeding in subdural hematomas. These veins are short, superficial, and prone to tearing due to their fragile nature. They connect the superficial cerebral cortex to the dural sinuses, and their rupture leads to the accumulation of blood in the subdural space. This is often seen in cases of minor head trauma, particularly in the elderly population or individuals with pre-existing conditions such as cerebral atrophy.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Injury to the middle meningeal artery is more commonly associated with epidural hematomas, which occur between the dura mater and the inner surface of the skull. The middle meningeal artery is a larger vessel that runs between these two structures.
**Option B:** Injury to the middle meningeal vein is not a common cause of subdural hematoma, as the primary source of bleeding is the cortical bridging veins. The middle meningeal vein is a smaller vessel that drains into the dural sinuses.
**Option D:** Rupture of a berry aneurysm typically leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is characterized by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In the context of traumatic brain injury, it is essential to consider the age and pre-existing conditions of the patient when evaluating the likelihood of a subdural hematoma. The elderly population and individuals with cerebral atrophy are at higher risk of developing subdural hematomas due to the increased fragility of their cortical bridging veins.

**✓ Correct Answer: C. Tearing of cortical bridging veins**