Concept about Meninges | CHAPTER 7 | Anatomy and Physiology

Concept about Meninges -The course is designed for the basic understanding of anatomical structures and physiological functions of human body, musculoskeletal system, digestive system, respiratory system; cardiovascular system; urinary system, endocrine system, reproductive system, nervous system, hematologic system, sensory organs, integumentary system, and immune system.The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and skills regarding anatomy and physiology.

Concept about Meninges

The meninges are three layers of connectivetissue coverings that extend around the spinal cord andbrain.The meninges that protect the spinal cord, the spinalmeninges, are continuous with those that protectthe brain, the cranial meninges.

The meninges has three layers as…

1. The dura mater
2. The arachnoid mater and
3. The pia mater

1. The dura mater:

The outermostof the three layers of the meninges is called the duramater. It has two fold, outer fold is periostial dura mater and inner fold is meningeal dura mater. Its tough, denseirregular connective tissue helps protect the delicate structuresof the CNS.

The tube of spinal dura mater extends tothe second sacral vertebra, well beyond the spinal cord, which ends at about the level of the second lumbar vertebra. The spinal cord is also protected by a cushion of fat and connectivetissue located in the epidural space, a space betweenthe dura mater and vertebral column.

2. The arachnoid mater:

The middle layer of the meninges is called the arachnoidmater becausethe arrangement of its collagen and elastic fibers resemblesa spider’s web.

3. The pia mater:

The inner layer, the pia mater, is a transparent layer of collagen andelastic fibers that adheres to the surface of the spinal cord andbrain. It contains numerous blood vessels. Between thearachnoid mater and the pia mater is the subarachnoid space, where cerebrospinal fluid circulates.

(Ref:- Ross & Wilson, 9th ed, P-147-148+J. Tortora, 8th edition, P-256,267)

Ventricles of brain

There are some irregular shaped cavities inside the brain, those cavities of the brainare known as ventricle and become filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

There are four ventricles inside the brain are mentioned below…

1. Right lateral ventricle
2. Left lateral ventricle
3. Third ventricle
4. Fourth ventricle.

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