US Medical Term · anatomy
Meninges
Meninges
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Meninges |
| Spanish (Español) | Meninges |
| Chinese (中文) | 腦膜 |
| Korean (한국어) | 뇌막 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Màng não |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Meninges |
| Portuguese (Português) | Meninges |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เยื่อหุ้มสมอง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 髄膜 |
What it means
The meninges are three protective layers of tissue that wrap around your brain and spinal cord. Think of them as a cushioning envelope. The outermost layer is tough and called the dura mater. The middle layer, the arachnoid, is thin and web-like. The innermost layer, the pia mater, clings directly to the brain's surface. Between these layers flows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear liquid that cushions the brain and spinal cord from shocks. Meningitis is an infection or inflammation of these membranes, which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms include severe headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Surgery on the brain always involves opening these layers.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The doctor said my headache and stiff neck might mean my meninges are inflamed.
El doctor dijo que mi dolor de cabeza y cuello rígido podrían significar que las meninges están inflamadas.
Is meningitis an infection of the meninges?
¿La meningitis es una infección de las meninges?
They did a spinal tap to check the fluid around my meninges.
Me hicieron una punción lumbar para revisar el líquido alrededor de las meninges.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026