Cavernous sinus

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Cavernous sinus

The cavernous sinus is a large collection of thin-walled veins creating a cavity bordered by the temporal bone of the skull and the sphenoid bone. It is one of the dural venous sinuses and is located on either side of the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone where the pituitary gland resides.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The cavernous sinus is a paired structure, meaning there is one on each side of the sella turcica. It extends from the superior orbital fissure anteriorly to the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone posteriorly. The sinus is bordered by the meningeal layer of the dura mater and contains several important structures.

Contents[edit | edit source]

The cavernous sinus contains the following structures:

Connections[edit | edit source]

The cavernous sinus has several important venous connections:

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the cavernous sinus is to drain venous blood from the brain and the orbit. It also plays a role in the regulation of intracranial pressure and the cooling of arterial blood before it reaches the brain.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The cavernous sinus is clinically significant due to its contents and connections. Conditions affecting the cavernous sinus include:

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD