What is the name of the protective covering around the spinal cord?

The protective covering around the spinal cord is known as the meninges. The meninges consist of three layers: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. These layers work together to provide a protective barrier, helping to shield the spinal cord from injury and infection while also containing cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the nervous tissue. This anatomical structure is critical for the overall health of the central nervous system, supporting not only protection but also appropriate nourishment and waste removal for the spinal cord.

The other choices, while they may refer to aspects of spinal anatomy or protection, do not accurately denote the specific covering of the spinal cord. For example, a durable sheath is not a term commonly used in anatomical discussions on this topic, and a calcified layer would not provide the same kind of flexible or protective function as the meninges. The vertebral arch refers specifically to parts of the vertebrae and does not serve as a protective covering of the spinal cord itself. Thus, the meninges are the correct answer, encapsulating the essential function of safeguarding the spinal cord against various forms of trauma and environmental threats.