What are meninges?

Meninges:

1. The meninges refers to the three membranous covering which protects the brain and the spinal cord.
2. The three layers include the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and the pia mater.
3. The dura mater is present as an outermost tough fibrous membrane
4. The arachnoid mater is the middle membrane which has a web-like appearance and is delicate.
5. The Pia mater is the innermost layer which is highly vascular.

Functions:

1. The meninges protects the organs of the central nervous system namely the brain and the spinal cord from mechanical injury.
2. It provides anchorage to the brain and prevents it from moving inside the skull.

Hence, meninges refers to the three membranous layers enclosing the brain and the spinal cord providing shock absorbance.