What term refers to the protective covering over the brain?

The term that refers to the protective covering over the brain is meninges. The meninges consist of three layers: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. These layers serve to encase the brain and spinal cord, providing a protective barrier against physical impacts and infections. They also help to contain the cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and helps maintain a stable environment.

The other terms listed pertain to different aspects of brain anatomy but do not refer to its protective coverings. The cortex is the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-order functions like thought and decision-making. The medulla is part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate. Grey matter refers to the regions of the brain and spinal cord that contain the cell bodies of neurons, which are involved in processing information. Each of these structures is crucial for brain function, but none provide the protective covering represented by the meninges.