Spinal Cord Meninges

Spinal cord meninges are the protective layer of three membranes that encloses the spinal cord. The spinal meninges stretch from the brainstem down to the filum terminal that helps anchor the spinal cord within the vertebral canal. The layers of the meninges are, from deep to superficial, the pia mater, the arachnoid mater, and the dura mater. These are discussed in detail as follows:

• Dura mater: It forms the outer most layer of the meninges and closest to the spinal cord. In the spinal cord, the dura mater is a single layer that lines the vertebral canal and surrounds the spinal cord. It tough and fibrous membrane that forms a protective sheath around the spinal cord and is continuous with the dura mater of the brain.
• Arachnoid mater: It is present beneath the dura mater. It is thin and tranparent membrane that lacks the trabeculae found in the subarachnoid space of the brain but still contributes to the separation of the dura mater and pia mater. Arachnoid mater contains cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space which provides cushion and buoyancy to the spinal cord.
• Pia mater: It is the innermost layer that is directly adherent to the spinal cord. The pia mater is a thin and highly vascularized membrane that follows the contours of the spinal cord that provides essential nutrients to the spinal cord.

The meninges produce cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space that acts as a cushion. It protects the spinal cord from mechanical shocks and also helps maintain a stable environment for the nervous tissue.

Meninges are the protective membranes surrounding and enclosing the brain and spinal cord. There are three layers of meninges: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The main difference between brain and spinal cord meninges lies in the characteristic features of the dura mater. The brain’s dura mater has two layers: the periosteal and the meningeal layer. The spinal cord’s dura mater only has one layer, the meningeal layer. Brain and spinal cord meninges protect and support the central nervous system by containing cerebrospinal fluid and shielding against infections and injuries.