<p style="text-align: left;">The three membranes of elastic connective tissues that envelop the brain and the spinal cord are called meninges. The three layers are:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul><ul><ul><li><b>Dura Mater</b> – the outermost and toughest layer of the meninges</li><li><b>Arachnoid Mater</b> – The web-like middle layer of the meninges</li><li><b>Pia Mater</b> – The innermost layer of the meninges</li></ul></ul></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>The purpose of the meninges is to protect the brain and support its structure, including anchoring the brain and the brain stem to the skull. They also contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which acts as a cushion for the brain and provides a solution in which the brain is suspended, allowing it to preserve its shape.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><br></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><img src="@@PLUGINFILE@@/pia-mater.png" alt="" width="820" height="566" role="presentation" class="img-responsive atto_image_button_middle"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><img src="@@PLUGINFILE@@/pia-mater-2.png" alt="" width="999" height="623" role="presentation" class="img-responsive atto_image_button_text-bottom"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord membranes, often caused by an infection.<br></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><img src="@@PLUGINFILE@@/meningitis.png" alt="" width="452" height="255" role="presentation" class="img-responsive atto_image_button_text-bottom"><br></span></p>