| leptomeninges | The two delicate layers of the meninges, the arachnoid mater and pia mater (vs. The tough pachymeninx or dura mater), considered together; by this concept, the arachnoid and pia are two parts of a single layer, much like the parietal and visceral layers of a serous membrane or bursa; although separated by the subarachnoid space they are connected via the arachnoid trabeculae and become continuous where the nerves and filum terminale exit the subarachnoid space (the cerebrospinal fluid-filled space bounded by the leptomeninges). See: arachnoid, pia mater. Synonym: meninx tenuis, pia-arachnoid, piarachnoid. Origin: Lepto-+ G. Meninx, pl. Meninges, membrane (05 Mar 2000) |
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| parietal layer of leptomeninges | Like a cobweb, covered with or consisting of soft fibres or hairs so entangled as to give a cobwebby appearance. (09 Oct 1997) |
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