Difference between Brain Meninges and Spinal Cord Meninges: Function, Parts, Segments

The meninges are protective membranes around the central nervous system; it covers both the brain and spinal cord. Though having the same three layers - dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater-the meninges of the brain and the spinal cord vary functionally and structurally, by the areas in which they serve. Primarily, the brain meninges protect delicate neural tissue. They provide support to frameworks of blood vessels and support the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid so that a cushioned, protected form of the brain is supported by it against traumas. This is an important topic from the Neural Control And Coordination Chapter of Biology.

Latest: NEET 2024 Paper Analysis and Answer Key 

Don't Miss: Most scoring concepts for NEET | NEET papers with solutions

New: NEET Syllabus 2025 for Physics, Chemistry, Biology

NEET Important PYQ & Solutions: Physics | Chemistry | Biology | NEET PYQ's (2015-24)

This Story also Contains

1. What are Meninges?
2. Brain Meninges
3. Spinal Cord Meninges
4. Differences Between Brain Meninges And Spinal Cord Meninges

What are Meninges?

The three layers, that is, the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, cover the brain and the spinal cord, the latter being one of the main components of the central nervous system. These layers provide support and protection for neural tissues in the brain and spinal cord.

They play an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of the central nervous system, preventing injuries to the underlying tissues and allowing for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which provides a "cushioning" effect to the brain and the spinal cord. By enclosing such important organs as the aforementioned ones, the meninges therein ensure proper functioning and protection from external trauma.

Also Read:

• Practice MCQ on the Human Brain

• Neural Control and Coordination

• Structure of Ear

• Chemical Coordination and Integration

Brain Meninges

There are three layers in the meninges of the brain, each with a particular structure and function, to provide complete protection and support to the brain.

Structure of Brain Meninges

Brain Meninges is made up of the following components:

Dura Mater

• The outer, thickest, and toughest Connective tissue in nature.

• Gives a tough protective covering to the brain. And forms dural sinuses, which drain venous blood from the brain.

Arachnoid Mater

• Middle and thin like a web. It is transparent.

• It performs the function of a cushioning barrier. It has a subarachnoid space filled with the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) which fluid is what cushions the brain and thus absorbs shocks.

Pia Mater

• The innermost thin layer conforms to the surface of the brain.

• The blood-brain barrier surrounds and protects the brain. It also cares for the blood vessels that supply the brain with nutrients and oxygen.

Blood-Brain Barrier

• It is made of the endothelial cells of the brain capillaries, the surrounding astrocytes, and pericytes.

• The blood-brain barrier is selectively permeable, thus providing control over the entry of substances into the brain from the bloodstream, allowing the passage of essential nutrients, but at the same time, protecting the brain from toxins and pathogens.

Diagram of Brain Meninges

Spinal Cord Meninges

The three meninges of the Spinal Cord There are three layers of the meninges around the spinal cord. They provide support for the thick and long spinal cord, protect it from any shock or injury, and circulate the cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord.

Structure of Spinal Cord Meninges

The structure of the spinal cord is composed of:

Dura mater

• The most superficial, thick, tough, and strong layer is made up of dense irregular connective tissue.

• Acts as a dense, protective connector for the spinal cord to safeguard it from mechanical injury and helps stabilize the spinal cord lengthwise within the vertebral column.

Arachnoid mater

• The middle layer, or the 'webby" layer, is thin and avascular.

• Offers protection and contains the subarachnoid space, containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which acts to cushion shocks and provide a liquid cushion to the spinal cord.

Pia mater

• Pia mater thinnest, innermost layer that adheres to the surface of the spinal cord.

• Encloses and protects the spinal cord. It contains arteries that supply nutrients and oxygen to the spinal cord tissue, and it anchors the spinal cord to the surrounding structures through the denticulate ligaments.

Spinal Cord Protection

The meninges working in combination with the cerebrospinal fluid mean a multilayer protective system for guarding the spinal cord against injury and allowing the transmission of nerve impulses as well as receipt of nerve impulses without any mechanical disturbances.

Diagram of Spinal Cord Meninges

Differences Between Brain Meninges And Spinal Cord Meninges

Also Read: