` Beyond the protective covering: structural–clinical correlations of the cranial and spinal meninges in contemporary neuroanatomy

Abstract

The meninges are specialized connective tissue membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord, forming a dynamic interface between neural tissue, vasculature, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although traditionally described as three discrete layers—dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater—their structural complexity and clinical relevance extend far beyond a simple protective covering. This study integrates cadaveric anatomical observations with clinical case correlation to examine the microanatomical organization of cranial and spinal meninges and their applied significance in neurological disorders and procedures. Dissection-based observations were correlated with radiological and clinical data involving meningitis, intracranial hemorrhages, meningeal hematomas, and lumbar puncture. Findings demonstrate distinct structural adaptations between cranial and spinal dura, functional specialization of the arachnoid barrier layer, and the intimate vascular relationship of the pia mater with neural tissue. Clinical correlations reinforce the importance of precise anatomical understanding in diagnosing epidural and subdural hematomas, interpreting subarachnoid hemorrhage patterns, and performing safe lumbar puncture. The study emphasizes that meningeal architecture is not merely protective but functionally integrated into neurovascular and CSF dynamics.