Arachnoidea

/ˌærəkˈnɔɪdiə/ noun

Definition

The arachnoid membrane itself; one of the three membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Etymology

From Greek 'arachne' (spider) + Latin '-oidea' (resembling). Named in the 1600s by anatomists struck by its delicate, web-like appearance.

Kelly Says

Your brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid cushioned between the arachnoidea and another membrane—it's like nature's shock absorber protecting your most vital organ!

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