Meninges are three membranes layers that cover and protect your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). These membranes — the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater — protect and anchor your brain and provide a support system for blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics and the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds your central nervous system. Show
OverviewThe Three Layers of MeningesWhat are meninges?Meninges are three layers of membranes that cover and protect your brain and spinal cord (your central nervous system [CNS]). They’re known as:
Together, the arachnoid mater and pia mater are called leptomeninges. There are three spaces within the meninges:
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat do the meninges do?The meninges:
What are the features of dura mater?Your dura mater is the outer, thick, strong membrane layer located directly under your skull and vertebral column. In Latin, dura mater means “hard mother.” It consists of two layers of connective tissue. One side of your dura attaches to your skull and the other adheres to your middle membrane layer (arachnoid mater). Your dura mater contains a drainage system, called the dural venous sinuses, which allows blood to leave your brain and allows cerebrospinal fluid to re-enter the circulation. Your dura mater receives its blood supply from your middle meningeal artery and vein, and your trigeminal nerve runs through it. Your dura mater folds inward onto itself to form four thin membrane layers called dural reflections. Each dural reflection surrounds different sections (hemispheres) of your brain. What are the features of arachnoid mater?Your arachnoid mater, the middle layer of your meninges, lies directly below your dura mater. It’s a thin layer that lays between your dura mater and pia mater. It doesn’t contain blood vessels or nerves. It has a spiderweb-like appearance (“arachnoid” means spider) because it has connective tissue projections that attach to your pia mater. Between your arachnoid mater and pia mater is the subarachnoid space, which contains cerebrospinal fluid that helps cushion your brain. What are the features of the pia mater?Your pia mater, the innermost layer, is a thin layer that’s held tightly — like shrink wrap — to the surface of your brain and spinal cord. Many blood vessels pass through this layer to supply your brain tissue with blood. It also helps contain cerebrospinal fluid. In your spinal cord, pia mater helps maintain the stiffness of the cord. What medical conditions affect the meninges?Two of the more common conditions that affect your meninges are:
Other medical conditions affecting your meninges include:
There are many other conditions that can affect each specific meningeal layer. Because of the important role of your meninges in protecting your brain, conditions that affect your meninges can be potentially life-threatening. A note from Cleveland Clinic Your brain and spinal cord are protected and supported by three meningeal layers. These membrane layers are the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater. The layers plus cerebrospinal fluid keep your brain tissue from jostling against your skull, as well as other functions. Trauma to your head, however, can cause bleeding within any of your meninges and/or your brain tissue itself (intracranial hemorrhage). Be sure to see your healthcare professional if you experience a blow to your head from a trauma (like a car accident), sports injury or fall. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoWhat part of the skull protects the brain?Cranium. The eight bones that protect the brain are called the cranium. The front bone forms the forehead. Two parietal bones form the upper sides of the skull, while two temporal bones form the lower sides.
What surrounds the brain in the skull?The Meninges
The cranium protects the brain from injury. Together, the cranium and bones that protect the face are called the skull. Between the skull and brain is the meninges, which consist of three layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
What are two organs that the skull surrounds and protect?The main function of the bones of the skull along with the surrounded meninges, is to provide protection and structure. Protection to the brain (cerebellum, cerebrum, brainstem) and orbits of the eyes.
Which bones of the skull protect the brain and inner ear structures called?The temporal bones are two major bones in the skull, or cranium. They help form the sides and base of the skull, where they protect the temporal lobe of the brain and surround the ear canal.
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