The Development of the Meninges

The meninges engage a constantly increasing attention from those interested in the diseases of the nervous system. The origin and flow of the cerebrospinal fluid and the congenital and inflammatory adhesions leading to interference with its circulation are of the greatest importance. No less so are the diverse neoplasms which take origin from or are associated with these structures. For the intelligent interpretation of their pathology it is necessary to have not only knowledge of the morphology of the meninges but also a clear understanding of their developmental background. Yet, as Weed 1 has said, Probably no field in embryology has been less explored than that relating to the meninges. A reference to any of the standard textbooks on embryology reveals little but a condensation of the opinions of His and Kolliker, and the literature of recent years contains no notable contribution to this subject aside from that of Weed.