Which term designates the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord?

Which term designates the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord?

• A. Bones of the front paw (hands)
• B. Membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• C. Bones of the rear paw (feet)
• D. Measure

Answer: (B)

The protective coverings of the central nervous system are the meninges, a set of membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. They consist of three layers—outer dura mater, middle arachnoid mater, and inner pia mater—that work together to protect neural tissue, contain cerebrospinal fluid, and support blood vessels. The option that describes a membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord matches this concept directly. While the standard term for the whole protective covering is meninges, the description given identifies the correct structure in context. The other options refer to parts of the limbs or a unit of measurement and are not related to the membranes protecting the CNS. Takeaway: remember that the CNS is enveloped by a protective set of membranes—the meninges—which includes layers that cushion and safeguard the brain and spinal cord.

The protective coverings of the central nervous system are the meninges, a set of membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. They consist of three layers—outer dura mater, middle arachnoid mater, and inner pia mater—that work together to protect neural tissue, contain cerebrospinal fluid, and support blood vessels.

The option that describes a membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord matches this concept directly. While the standard term for the whole protective covering is meninges, the description given identifies the correct structure in context. The other options refer to parts of the limbs or a unit of measurement and are not related to the membranes protecting the CNS.

Takeaway: remember that the CNS is enveloped by a protective set of membranes—the meninges—which includes layers that cushion and safeguard the brain and spinal cord.