The Cerebrospinal Meninges: What Are They?
The cerebrospinal meninges act as a physical shock-absorbing filter, but also as protection against chemical agents. In this article, we will tell you in detail what their functions are.
The cerebrospinal meninges are a fundamental part of our central nervous system. It is a set of membranes covering both the spinal cord and the brain whose main function is to protect against certain problems.
The word meninge comes from Greek, where mēninx means membrane. The central nervous system is one of the parts of the body that needs protection the most, because it allows us to carry out all vital functions, such as breathing.
There are three meninges: dura mater, spider web, and soft. In this article, we want to explain where they are, what their main features and functions are. We will also tell you about meningitis and why this disease is so dangerous.
What are the meninges?
As we mentioned, the central nervous system requires a variety of protective mechanisms to keep us alive. First, it is protected by bone structures such as the skull and spine.
But in addition, it consists of a series of membranes that protect it, above all, from chemical attacks or infections. These are the meninges. They are three membranes or layers separated by spaces that also contain important structures.
If we start with the outermost part in contact with the skull, we find the dura mater. It is attached to the bone and has a kind of partition that divides the skull cavity into parts. In this way, it keeps different parts of the brain in place. There are also venous sinuses.
An arachnid is another type of meninges found in the center of the other two meninges. The name comes from the fact that it resembles a spider’s web. This is the most delicate and fragile layer. Below is the subarachnoid space that contains the cerebrospinal fluid.
The soft dura is the innermost part of the meninges in contact with the brain and spinal cord. It covers the brain and is led through the furrows and coils as if it were the thin sheet that covers it.
The meninges are the membranes that protect the central nervous system.
The spaces between the tires
We have already mentioned the subarachnoid space, which is between the arachnoid and the dura mater. In it we find the cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid protects the central nervous system by absorbing shocks and pressure changes in the skull.
There is a subdural space between the dura mater and the arachnoid. On the dura mater we find the famous epidural space, which is known because some anesthetic drugs are injected into it, for example in pregnancy. This space is present in the spinal cord but not in the brain.
What functions do the meninges have?
As we well know, the main function of the meninges is to protect the nervous system from injury. This means that they are responsible for the cushioning of the blows our body receives. However, they also act as a filter for chemical attacks.
In addition, the meninges allow the cerebrospinal fluid to circulate through the system. This fluid, in addition to physical protection, helps to eliminate waste produced in the brain and also balances the intracranial pressure.
The tires thus form a support and protection system. On the other hand, they tell the brain about certain changes in pressure, tension, or pain that are caused by an injury.
The cerebrospinal meninges form a protective system against possible injury.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a pathology that in most cases is caused by a viral infection, although it can also be caused by bacteria or fungi. It could even be due to a carcinogenic process or other causes.
The problem with meningitis is that in many cases this inflammation can cause damage to the brain. It often leaves aftermath such as deafness or changes in other senses. It can actually be fatal.
We must remember that the meninges are the basic protective structures of the central nervous system. Therefore, it is very important to keep them healthy as trauma can compromise the integrity of this system.
