Pia mater

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on 12.11.2025

The pia mater is the innermost layer of the brain meninx.

Anatomy

The pia mater directly borders the brain substance and forms the mesodermal side of the pia-glia border[^1]. From the pia mater, the vessels branch into the brain substance and are accompanied by it a little deeper (pia funnel).

Illustration

Brain with pia mater and arachnoid mater — Brain with arachnoid mater, and an area where it is removed, showing cerebral gyri covered by the translucent pia mater. Image adapted from Wikimedia Common.

Brain with pia mater and arachnoid mater

Brain with arachnoid mater, and an area where it is removed, showing cerebral gyri covered by the translucent pia mater. Image adapted from Wikimedia Common.