Definition

1. Noun:
   • The two innermost layers of the meninges; cerebrospinal fluid circulates between these innermost layers: "Leptomeninges" is a medical term referring specifically to the pia mater and the arachnoid mater, which are the delicate inner membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord. The space between these layers contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Inflammation of the leptomeninges is called leptomeningitis.
  • The cerebrospinal fluid flows within the subarachnoid space of the leptomeninges.

Advanced Usage

• "Leptomeningeal" (adjective): Pertaining to or affecting the leptomeninges.
  • The patient was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
• "Leptomeningeal enhancement": A term used in medical imaging (like MRI) to describe visible changes in the leptomeninges, often indicating inflammation or disease.
  • The MRI scan showed clear leptomeningeal enhancement.

Variants and Related Words

• Leptomeningitis (n): Inflammation of the leptomeninges.
• Pachymeninges (n): The thick outer layer of the meninges (the dura mater), often contrasted with the leptomeninges.

Synonyms

• Arachnoidea and pia mater: The technical names for the two layers that constitute the leptomeninges.

Noun

1. the two innermost layers of the meninges; cerebrospinal fluid circulates between these innermost layers