Question

The membrane which covers the brain and the spinal cord is
A. White matter
B. Gray matter
C. Peritoneum
D. Meninges

Answer 1

Hint: The brain and the spinal cord are the very important organs of the human body. Brain and spinal cord comprises the central nervous system. Brain is the central information processing organ of the human body. Spinal cord is a white glistening cord which connects to the brain by medulla oblongata.

Complete answer:
The membrane which covers the brain and spinal cord is meninges. Meninges (singular: meninx) are the group of three layers that envelop the brain and spinal cord. These three layers are:
> Duramater (Latin: Hard mother): It is the outer, thick and tough layer made up of a tough connective tissue called fibrous tissue.
> Arachnoid mater: It is the middle layer (meninx). It is a thin and transparent membrane which is composed of delicate connective tissue. It cushions the central nervous system (CNS).
> Piamater (Latin: Soft mother): It is the thin, very delicate inner layer which is composed of fibrous tissue. It is highly vascular.
A narrow space found between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater membrane is known as subdural space.
A narrow space that exists between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater is called a subarachnoid space. This space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Gray matter is the major component of the central nervous system consisting of neuronal cell bodies, glial cells (Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes), synapses and capillaries. Gray matter is grayish brown in appearance.
White matter is also the major component of the central nervous system which is made up of myelinated axons. The white matter is white in colour because of the fatty substance (myelin).
Peritoneum is the serous and transparent membrane which lines the abdominal cavity.

So the correct answer is option D.

Note: Spinal cord connects the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the brain. Spinal cord serves as a link between the brain and nerves which are spread throughout the body. The cognitive functions such as intelligence, emotions, thoughts, memory and human behavior are controlled by the brain.