Cavernous

Cavernous Sinus
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Sinus cavernosus
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The cavernous sinus is a large collection of thin-walled veins located on either side of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It is one of the dural venous sinuses, which are channels that drain venous blood from the brain toward the heart. The cavernous sinus is a key structure in the cranial cavity, playing a crucial role in draining blood from the brain and nearby structures.

Structure

The cavernous sinus is situated at the base of the skull, on either side of the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland. It is bordered by the temporal bone laterally and the sphenoid bone medially. The sinus extends from the superior orbital fissure anteriorly to the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone posteriorly.

Function

The primary function of the cavernous sinus is to collect blood from the brain and direct it towards the internal jugular vein, facilitating venous return from the brain. It receives blood from the superior ophthalmic vein, inferior ophthalmic vein, and various smaller veins. Additionally, it serves as a conduit for important cranial nerves that control eye movements, eyelid opening, pupil constriction, and facial sensation.

Clinical Significance

The cavernous sinus is clinically significant due to its role in several medical conditions:

• Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis - This is a potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinus, often due to an infection. Symptoms may include headache, fever, eye pain, and vision problems.
• Cavernous Sinus Syndrome - This syndrome involves dysfunction of the cranial nerves that pass through the sinus, leading to symptoms such as double vision, ophthalmoplegia (paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles), and sensory deficits in the face.

See Also

• Dural venous sinuses
• Venous blood
• Cranial nerves