Step 1: The central nervous system (CNS) is covered by three meninges: dura mater (outermost), arachnoid mater (middle), and pia mater (innermost). The pia mater is in direct contact with the brain and spinal cord.
Step 2: The cranium is the skull, not a meningeal layer, while dura and arachnoid mater are farther from the CNS surface.