**Core Concept**
A subdural hematoma (SDH) is a type of intracranial hemorrhage characterized by the accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, which cover the brain. This condition is often caused by a traumatic injury that results in damage to the bridging veins that drain blood from the brain to the dural sinuses.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **arterial tear**, specifically involving the middle meningeal artery. When this artery tears, it can lead to a subdural hematoma. The middle meningeal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery that runs between the dura mater and the inner table of the skull. A tear in this artery can lead to bleeding into the space between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, resulting in a subdural hematoma.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** **Venous tear** is incorrect because while venous tears can cause subdural hematomas, they are less common than arterial tears. Venous tears typically occur in the bridging veins that drain blood from the brain to the dural sinuses.
* **Option B:** **Epidural hematoma** is incorrect because it refers to bleeding between the dura mater and the skull, not between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The "spot sign" on CT scan, which appears as a small focus of contrast material within the hematoma, is highly suggestive of an arterial source for the bleeding.

**Correct Answer: C**. Arterial tear