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Meninges

Illustration showing meninges where meningioma begins

The brain is protected by three layers of membranes, called meninges, lying just under the skull. The delicate inner layer is the pia mater. The middle layer is the arachnoid, a web-like structure filled with fluid that cushions the brain. The tough outer layer is called the dura mater. Tumors that arise in the meninges are called meningiomas. Meningiomas can also occur in the meninges that surround the spinal cord.

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