What condition describes inflammation of the covering of the brain or spinal cord?

Meningitis is the condition that specifically describes inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, as well as non-infectious causes such as autoimmune disorders.

Understanding the structure of the meningeal layers helps clarify why meningitis is the correct choice. The meninges consist of three layers: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. When these layers become inflamed, it can lead to serious complications, including symptoms like headache, fever, stiff neck, and, in severe cases, neurological deficits or even death.

Other terms mentioned, like encephalitis, refer to inflammation of brain tissue itself, and myelitis pertains to inflammation of the spinal cord. Cerebropathia is a less commonly used term and does not have a specific definition in neuroanatomical terms. Hence, the specificity of meningitis in regards to the protective coverings of the central nervous system makes it the appropriate answer.