Dura can refer to several things, depending on the context. The most common meanings are related to medicine and business.
Dura Mater: The Protective Layer of the Brain and Spinal Cord
In medicine, dura most often refers to the dura mater. This is the outermost of the three layers of membranes—the meninges—that protect the brain and spinal cord. The other two layers are the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. The dura mater is a tough, fibrous layer of connective tissue.
- It has two layers: an outer periosteal layer and an inner meningeal layer.
- The dural venous sinuses, important venous channels, are formed where these two layers separate.
- The dura mater's primary function is to protect the delicate brain and spinal cord from injury.
The term "dura" is frequently used as a shortened form of "dura mater" in medical contexts. For example, a "dural tear" refers to a tear in the dura mater.
Dura: A Business Entity
Beyond its medical meaning, "Dura" also represents several companies and business entities:
- Dura Supreme Cabinetry: A manufacturer of high-quality kitchen and bathroom cabinets known for its lifetime warranty.
- Dura-Line: A company providing training and support for network design and maintenance.
- Dura-Bar: A supplier of continuous cast iron bar stock.
- Dura (Software): A software acquisition company focusing on niche market software.
Therefore, the meaning of "dura" is heavily context-dependent. Always consider the surrounding information to determine the correct interpretation.
