Which sequence correctly lists the brain coverings from outermost to innermost?

Which sequence correctly lists the brain coverings from outermost to innermost?

• A. Dura mater, Arachnoid, Pia, Bone.
• B. Pia, Arachnoid, Dura, Bone.
• C. Bone, Dura mater, Arachnoid, Pia mater.
• D. Bone, Pia, Dura, Arachnoid.

Answer: (C)

The question tests the order of protective layers surrounding the brain from outside in. The skull bone is the outermost protective shell, then the dura mater—the tough outer covering of the meninges—followed by the arachnoid mater, a middle, web-like membrane, and finally the pia mater, the delicate layer that clings directly to the brain’s surface. So the correct sequence is Bone, then Dura mater, then Arachnoid, then Pia mater. The innermost pia adheres to the brain and the subarachnoid space between arachnoid and pia contains CSF, which helps cushion the brain.

The question tests the order of protective layers surrounding the brain from outside in. The skull bone is the outermost protective shell, then the dura mater—the tough outer covering of the meninges—followed by the arachnoid mater, a middle, web-like membrane, and finally the pia mater, the delicate layer that clings directly to the brain’s surface. So the correct sequence is Bone, then Dura mater, then Arachnoid, then Pia mater. The innermost pia adheres to the brain and the subarachnoid space between arachnoid and pia contains CSF, which helps cushion the brain.