Animal Diversity

The function of the meninges is to cover and protect the brain. It also encloses and protects the vessels that supply the brain. It has three layers, Dura mater, Arachnoid mater and Pia mater. In between the layers is filled with Cerebrospinal fluid. Dura mater (literally means durable mother) itself is formed of two distinct layers, Periosteal dura mater just adjacent to the skull and Meningeal dura mater below that. Next is the arachnoid mater which is named due to its spider leg appearance. Deepest layer is the pia mater (literally means soft mother) which is a very delicate connective tissue.