Final answer:
The meningeal layers from superficial to deep consist of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, which protect the central nervous system and facilitate the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. The correct answer is B .
Step-by-step explanation:
The meninges are a series of three connective tissue membranes that cover the outer surface of the central nervous system (CNS) providing protection to the brain and spinal cord. When considering the meningeal layers from superficial to deep, they are as follows: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater.
The dura mater is the thickest and most durable of the three meninges, often referred to as the "tough mother" from its Latin translation. This layer serves as a rigid protective covering anchored to the cranium and vertebral cavity. The dura mater also plays a role in the drainage of venous blood to the heart through structures called dural sinuses.
The arachnoid mater lies beneath the dura mater and is named for its web-like appearance, featuring trabeculae that extend between this layer and the pia mater. It forms a sac-like enclosure around the CNS within which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates. The arachnoid mater also contains arachnoid granulations, which are involved in the filtration and drainage of CSF back into the blood.
The third and innermost layer is the pia mater, aptly named the "tender mother." The pia mater is a thin and delicate membrane that adheres to the brain's and spinal cord's surface, extending into all of its convolutions. The pia mater also acts as a barrier for certain fluids and contains blood vessels that nourish the central nervous tissue.
Together, these membranes not only protect the brain and spinal cord but also facilitate the circulation of CSF, which provides a cushioning effect, neutral buoyancy, and serves to transport chemical substances throughout these central structures.