Science Main Index. The meninges is a series of membranes that cover the central nervous system. The meninges consist of three layers: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. These layers cover the brain and spinal cord with the primary function of protecting and nourishing the central nervous system.eninges of the Brain. The meninges covers and protects the central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord. The meninges consist of three layers: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. The dura mater is the outermost of the three layers making up the meninges.