| Dura mater | pia mater |
| 1. Dura mater is the outermost meninx | 1. Pia mater is the innermost meninx. |
| 2. Dura mater lies on the innermost side of skull or cranium. | 2. Pia mater lies on outermost side of the brain. |
| 3. Dura mater is tough, thick and fibrous. | 3. Pia mater is thin and highly vascular. |
| 4. Dura mater is mainly protective in function. | 4. Pia mater is mainly nourishing in nature. |
| 5. Below dura mater is subdural space. | 5. Above pia mater is sub-arachnoidal space. |