Which term describes the three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord?

Which term describes the three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord?

• A. Aphasia
• B. Apnea
• C. Nephr/o
• D. Meninges

Answer: (D)

The protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord are called the meninges. They consist of three layers: the dura mater on the outside provides durability, the arachnoid mater in the middle has a web-like structure with the subarachnoid space that contains cerebrospinal fluid, and the pia mater on the inside closely adheres to the brain and spinal cord. Together, these layers shield the central nervous system, enclose and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid, and provide a supportive framework for blood vessels. Aphasia is a language impairment that can result from brain injury, apnea is a pause in breathing, and nephr/o refers to kidney tissue. None of these describe the protective coverings around the brain and spinal cord.

The protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord are called the meninges. They consist of three layers: the dura mater on the outside provides durability, the arachnoid mater in the middle has a web-like structure with the subarachnoid space that contains cerebrospinal fluid, and the pia mater on the inside closely adheres to the brain and spinal cord. Together, these layers shield the central nervous system, enclose and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid, and provide a supportive framework for blood vessels.

Aphasia is a language impairment that can result from brain injury, apnea is a pause in breathing, and nephr/o refers to kidney tissue. None of these describe the protective coverings around the brain and spinal cord.