Meningitis
A) results when a virus or bacterium crosses the blood-brain barrier.
B) is not usually fatal.
C) results when cerebrospinal fluid seeps out of the meninges.
D) occurs when white matter mixes with gray matter.
E) includes all of these characteristics.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, that occurs when a virus or bacterium crosses the blood-brain barrier and infects the cerebrospinal fluid. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it represents a significant characteristic of meningitis. The other options in the question related to whether meningitis is fatal, how it occurs, or phenomena, are incorrect.