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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Arachnoid mater
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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Arachnoid mater

Arachnoid mater

Author: Christina Loukopoulou, MSc • Reviewer: Declan Tempany, BSc (Hons)
Last reviewed: February 15, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Meninges of the brain [11:40]
Meninges and superficial vessels of the brain.
Arachnoid mater
Arachnoidea mater
1/3
Synonyms: none

The arachnoid mater is the middle layer of the meninges enveloping the brain and spinal cord. It lies closely against the dura mater, however, it is not attached to it.

The arachnoid mater is named for its spiderweb-like appearance and is a thin transparent membrane encasing the brain and spinal cord like a loosely fitting sac. It is separated from the pia mater, the innermost layer of the meninges, by the subarachnoid space containing the CSF and the brain's blood vessels, including the cerebral arterial circle (of Willis).

In certain areas along the superior sagittal sinus, the arachnoid mater shows small protrusions into the inner layer of the dura mater. These protrusions are also called arachnoid granulations or arachnoid villi and function as one-way valves to allow the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Structurally, these granulations are composed of clusters of arachnoid villi which consist a fibrous core with bundles of collagen and elastic fiber cells arranged around it. 

Terminology English: Arachnoid mater

Latin: Arachnoidea mater
Definition The arachnoid mater is the second layer of the meninges enveloping the brain and spinal cord.

Learn more about the cranial meninges in the following study unit:

Cranial meninges Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Crossman, A.R., Neary, D. (2014). Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text (5th ed.). Manchester, MCR: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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