American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Where are meninges typically located?

1. Inside the skull

2. With the dorsal cavity

3. Surrounding the heart

4. In the abdominal cavity

The correct answer is: With the dorsal cavity

The meninges are a protective layer of tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord, playing a crucial role in the central nervous system's architecture. The correct answer indicates that the meninges are typically found within the dorsal cavity, which encompasses both the cranial cavity (where the brain resides) and the spinal column (where the spinal cord is located). This area houses the central nervous system and is lined by the meninges, which consist of three layers: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. These layers provide protection against impacts and infections, as well as contribute to the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. The other options, such as being inside the skull or surrounding the heart, do not accurately capture the comprehensive nature of the meninges’ location as they are not confined to just one area, but instead, the entire dorsal cavity encompasses both the brain and spinal cord, where the meninges are present. Similarly, being found in the abdominal cavity does not pertain at all to the meninges and their function within the central nervous system.