selkäydinkalvojen

Selkäydinkalvot, also known as meninges, are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. They consist of three layers: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. The dura mater is the outermost and toughest layer, providing a robust barrier. Beneath it lies the arachnoid mater, a delicate, web-like membrane. The innermost layer is the pia mater, which is thin and closely adheres to the surface of the spinal cord and brain.

These membranes play a crucial role in protecting the central nervous system from injury. They also house the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which acts as a cushion, absorbing shock and providing nutrients to the nervous tissue. The space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, known as the subarachnoid space, is filled with CSF. Inflammation of the meninges is called meningitis, a serious condition that can be caused by infections.