Great cerebral vein

Great cerebral vein

The Great cerebral vein (also known as the vein of Galen) is a large vein in the brain that drains most of the deep and posterior regions of the cerebral hemispheres. It is a vital part of the brain's venous system.

Anatomy

The Great cerebral vein is formed by the union of the internal cerebral veins. It runs backward in the median plane unpaired, and beneath the splenium of the corpus callosum, and ends in the straight sinus. It receives numerous tributaries, including the posterior mesencephalic vein and the superior cerebellar veins.

Function

The primary function of the Great cerebral vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the brain's deep structures and posterior cerebral hemispheres. This blood is then returned to the heart via the venous system.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the Great cerebral vein can lead to serious medical conditions. These include cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a rare form of stroke, and Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, a rare blood vessel disorder.

See also

• Cerebral veins
• Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

References

Great cerebral vein Resources
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