<P> The meninges ( / məˈnɪndʒiːz / , singular : meninx ( / ˈmiːnɪŋks / or / ˈmɛnɪŋks / ) , from Ancient Greek : μῆνιγξ , translit . mēninx , lit . ' membrane ' , adjectival : meningeal / məˈnɪndʒəl / ) are the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord . In mammals , the meninges are the dura mater , the arachnoid mater , and the pia mater . Cerebrospinal fluid is located in the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater . The primary function of the meninges is to protect the central nervous system . </P>
what are the 3 layers of the meninges
dura mater arachnoid mater pia mater