The brain is covered by cranial meninges consisting of an outer layer called _______.

Dura mater.

The correct answer is Option (2)- Dura mater.

The human brain is well protected by the skull. Inside the skull, the brain is covered by cranial meninges consisting of an outer layer called dura mater, a very thin middle layer called arachnoid and an inner layer (which is in contact with the brain tissue) called pia mater. 

The dorsal portion of the midbrain consists mainly of four round swellings (lobes) called corpora quadrigemina.