Meninges

Meninges:
Consist of three fibrous membranes that protect the CNS and contain CSF.

Dura mater (Latin: ‘hard mother’):
tough external fibrous membrane of meninges
outer layer (periosteal or endosteal layer) is attached to inner surface of skull
deeper layer (meningeal layer) – strong dense fibrous membrane

Arachnoid mater (Greek: ‘spider’):
middle layer of meninges – loose delicate impermeable membrane; thin and avascular
seperated from dura mater by subdural space; CSF flows in subarachnoid space

Pia mater (Latin: ‘tender mother):
• composed of fine connective very vascular tissue that follows contours of brain
• tightly attached to brain