Which meninges surrounds the intracranial optic nerve?

Prepare for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which meninges surrounds the intracranial optic nerve?

Explanation:
The optic nerve inside the skull is wrapped by the same meninges that cover the brain, with the layer directly hugging the nerve fibers being the pia mater. This innermost layer follows every contour of the nerve as it travels toward the brain. Surrounding it are the arachnoid and the dura, forming a complete sheath around the nerve, and there’s a subarachnoid space between the pia and arachnoid that contains cerebrospinal fluid. So, while all three meninges enclose the intracranial optic nerve, the layer in direct contact with the nerve is the pia mater.

The optic nerve inside the skull is wrapped by the same meninges that cover the brain, with the layer directly hugging the nerve fibers being the pia mater. This innermost layer follows every contour of the nerve as it travels toward the brain. Surrounding it are the arachnoid and the dura, forming a complete sheath around the nerve, and there’s a subarachnoid space between the pia and arachnoid that contains cerebrospinal fluid. So, while all three meninges enclose the intracranial optic nerve, the layer in direct contact with the nerve is the pia mater.

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