The meninges are the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord. Learn about their anatomy and function at Kenhub! Meninges are the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater, which cover and protect your central nervous system. Learn about their functions, features and medical conditions that affect them. Explore the anatomy, structure, and functions of the brain's meninges . Learn about their clinical significance and recent research advances in neuroscience. The meninges are the protective membranous coverings that surround the brain and spinal cord. They consist of three distinct layers: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. These layers serve two key functions: Provide a supportive framework for the cerebral vasculature. Work alongside cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to cushion the central nervous system (CNS) and prevent mechanical injury. In this article, we will review the anatomy of the three meningeal layers and their clinical relevance.