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Glite Dictionary
leptomeninges

leptomeninges

9.9
Two thin inner layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord and hold spinal fluid
  • noun
  • /ˌlɛptoʊˈmɛnɪnˌdʒiz/
  • Specialized
: leptomeninges
  • The leptomeninges play a critical role in protecting the brain and facilitating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Examples

  • Inflammation of the leptomeninges is called leptomeningitis and can lead to serious neurological symptoms.

  • Inflammation of the leptomeninges can cause severe headaches and neurological issues.

  • Tumors involving the leptomeninges may result in the spread of cancer within the central nervous system.

  • The leptomeninges play a crucial role in protecting the brain.

  • Inflammation of the leptomeninges can lead to serious complications.

  • The leptomeninges provide essential support for the brain and serve as a barrier against infections.

  • Understanding the structure of the leptomeninges is important for diagnosing certain neurological disorders.

Surface Forms

leptomeninges singular
leptomeninges plural

Morphology

leptomeninges = meninges (semi-transparent) = lepto + meninges

The term is transparently built as 'lepto-' (thin) + 'meninges', but 'lepto-' is a specialized Greek combining form not familiar to average learners.

Etymology

The word leptomeninges comes from Greek parts lepto- meaning 'thin' and meninges meaning 'membranes'. So, leptomeninges are the thin membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, and you see the same meninges in the word meningitis, which is inflammation of those membranes.