Spinal pia mater

Organization and role

The pia follows the spinal cord contours and contributes to the denticulate ligaments and filum terminale. It is neither the dura nor a covering of an intervertebral disc.

Clinical relevance and investigation

Pial or leptomeningeal involvement in a report requires specialist interpretation. Isolated back pain does not establish disease of this membrane.

Points to consider

The vertebral level and compartment should be specified. A normal fluid-filled space, a meningeal covering and a pathological collection are different concepts. Relationships to the cord and roots help explain possible symptoms.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Spinal arachnoid mater — Meningeal membrane between the dura and pia that forms the outer boundary of the subarachnoid space around the spinal cord.
• Subarachnoid space — Space between the arachnoid and pia containing cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Spinal meninges — Three membranes—dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater—that surround and protect the spinal cord and its nerve roots.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Central Nervous System.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.