Figure 11-6. A cross-section of the spinal cord.
11-11. COVERINGS OF THE CNS
The coverings of the CNS are skeletal and fibrous.
a. Skeletal Coverings.
(1) Brain. The bones of the cranium form a spherical case around the brain.
The cranial cavity is the space inclosed by the bones of the cranium.
(2) Spinal cord. The vertebrae, with the vertebral foramina, form a
cylindrical case around the spinal cord. The overall skeletal structure is the vertebral
column (spine). The vertebral (spinal) canal is the space inclosed by the foramina of
the vertebrae.
b. Meninges (Fibrous Membranes). The brain and spinal cord have three
different membranes surrounding them called meninges (figure 11-7). These coverings
provide protection.
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