Hersenvliezen

Hersenvliezen, also known as meninges, are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. In mammals, there are three distinct layers of meninges: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater.

The outermost layer is the dura mater, a tough, fibrous, and leathery membrane that provides the primary structural support. It consists of two fused layers, except in certain areas where they separate to form dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain.

Beneath the dura mater lies the arachnoid mater, a delicate, web-like membrane. The space between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater is called the subdural space, which normally contains only a small amount of serous fluid.

The innermost layer is the pia mater, a thin, highly vascularized membrane that directly adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord, following all its contours and fissures. The space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater is known as the subarachnoid space, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid acts as a cushion, protecting the central nervous system from mechanical shock and also plays a role in nutrient and waste transport.

The meninges protect the central nervous system from injury, infection, and provide a stable environment for its delicate neural tissue. Inflammation of the meninges is known as meningitis, a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.