What is the function of the dura mater specifically?

The dura mater serves a vital protective function in the central nervous system as the outermost layer of the meninges, the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord. Its primary role is to provide a durable and resilient barrier that shields the delicate neural tissue from physical injury, offering support and compartmentalization within the cranial and vertebral cavities.

By encompassing the brain and spinal cord, the dura mater helps to stabilize these structures against abrupt movements or external impacts, ensuring that they remain secure within the skull and spinal column. Additionally, it contributes to the formation of the dural venous sinuses, which facilitate the drainage of venous blood away from the brain.

Other options do not accurately describe the specific function of the dura mater. For example, the provision of nutrients to the central nervous system is primarily the role of blood vessels and the blood-brain barrier rather than the dura mater. Similarly, the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid is regulated by the arachnoid mater and subarachnoid space, while the transmission of electrical signals is characteristic of neuronal function rather than a function of the meninges.