SPH405

GOAL: To Describe the Meninges as coverings of the CNS.

OBJECTIVES:

Know the three meningeal layers by name and location.

Know the functions of each layer.

The Meninges The entire CNS is enclosed in THREE LAYERS OF PROTECTIVE CONNECTIVE TISSUE called MENINGES.

The Meninges

3-D View of the Meninges

Dura: The outermost layer is the DURA (hard mother).

1. It is a tough membrane.



2. Designed to resist penetration.



3. The space between the dura and the next layer is called the SUBDURAL space.

Arachnoid: The next layer is called the ARACHNOID mater

1. (spider mother -like a web)It is a loose layer



2. Where a nerve leaves the CNS, it forms a tenuous sleeve for a short distance along that structure.



3. A fluid (CEREBROSPINAL FLUID) flows around the CNS in the space between the arachnoid and the next layer.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Pia: The PIA MATER is next to the brain (emphasize).

1. The name means "nourishing mother."



2. It is the matrix for blood vessels that spread out over the surface of the CNS.



3. It also contains some fine fibers that appear to be associated with the autonomic nervous system.

Go on to Online Lesson 3
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Go back to Central Nervous System Part II

E-mail Bill Culbertson at bill.culbertson@nau.edu
Call Bill Culbertson at (520) 523-7440

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