_🔹MENINGES_ ▪️These are the three protective membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord. ▪️They are composed of connective tissue and cover the central nervous system. ▪️They *PAD* the brain (⬆️Pia,Arachnoid,Dura) _🔹DURA MATER_ ▪️The outermost layer of the meninges. ▪️It is a tough, fibrous membrane composed of dense regular connective tissue. ▪️The dura mater serves as a protective covering for the brain and spinal cord. ▪️It is continuous with the periosteum lining the inner surface of the skull and the vertebral canal. _🔹ARACHNOID MATER_ ▪️The middle layer of the meninges, named for its spider web-like appearance. ▪️ It is a delicate, avascular membrane composed of loose connective tissue. ▪️The arachnoid mater is separated from the dura mater by the subdural space, which contains a small amount of serous fluid. ▪️It follows the contours of the brain and spinal cord but is not attached to them. _🔹PIA MATER_ ▪️The innermost layer of the meninges, directly adhering to the surface of the brain and spinal cord. ▪️It is a thin, delicate membrane composed of loose connective tissue. ▪️The pia mater dips into the sulci and fissures of the brain, closely following its contours. ▪️ The space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater is called the subarachnoid space, which contains cerebrospinal fluid. ▪️The meninges provide important structural and functional support to the central nervous system. ▪️They protect the brain and spinal cord from mechanical injury, help regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and contribute to the blood-brain barrier.