MENINGES

Question 1

Name the 3 meningeal layers

Answer 1

• Dura mater
• Arachnoid mater
• Pia Mater

Question 2

What is the structure and function of the dura?

Answer 2

It is a thick fibrous layer made from two different layers, the endosteal layer and the meningeal layer. It provides protection from physical traumas strong and

Question 3

What is the structure and function of the arachnoid mater? (3)

Answer 3

• This layer is not as fibrous or tough as the dura.
• Its purpose is to hold the CSF in the subarachnoid space which is below it.
• It is translucent web like layer that joins one gyrus to another

Question 4

What are the functions of the endosteal and meningeal layers?

Answer 4

E - attaches tightly to the inner plates of the skull
M - covers the brain and the spinal cord

Question 5

What does the subarachnoid space do? (3)

Answer 5

It contains CSF, blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain and also has veins that drain into the venous sinuses.

Question 6

What is the structure and function of the Pia mater?

Answer 6

This layer is the innermost, it separates the CNS from the PNS. It covers the gyri and sulci. It is a transparent layer

Question 7

At what level does the Pia mater fuse with the arachnoid mater?

Answer 7

S2 caudal end of the spinal canal

Question 8

What is the function of the cerebrospinal fluid?

Answer 8

It protects the brain by cushioning it and acting as a shock absorber. It also reduces the weight of the brain and removes waste product from the brain. It cushions the brain against the skull

Question 9

What 3 things make the CNS a protected environment?

Answer 9

BBB, CSF, meninges

Question 10

What is the BBB?

Answer 10

It restricts passage of pathogens, diffusion of solutes in plasma, and large or hydrophilic molecules into the CSF, but allow the diffusion of hydrophobic molecules (O2, CO2, hormones)
Cells of the BBB actively transport products such as glucose and amino acids.