Groove for transverse sinus

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Occipital bone - Groove for transverse sinus4

Groove for transverse sinus

The groove for transverse sinus is a prominent anatomical feature located on the internal surface of the occipital bone of the human skull. This groove serves as a channel for the transverse sinus, which is a major venous sinus of the dural venous sinuses system. The transverse sinus plays a crucial role in draining venous blood from the brain to the sigmoid sinus and eventually to the internal jugular vein.

Anatomy

The groove for transverse sinus is situated along the posterior cranial fossa, extending laterally from the internal occipital protuberance. It is typically found on both sides of the occipital bone, although the size and depth of the groove can vary between individuals. The groove is continuous with the sigmoid sinus groove, which leads to the jugular foramen.

Function

The primary function of the groove for transverse sinus is to accommodate the transverse sinus, which is responsible for draining blood from the superior sagittal sinus and the straight sinus. The transverse sinus collects blood from the cerebral veins, cerebellar veins, and dural venous sinuses, channeling it towards the sigmoid sinus.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the groove for transverse sinus is important in various medical fields, including neurosurgery and radiology. Pathologies such as transverse sinus thrombosis can affect the transverse sinus, leading to increased intracranial pressure and other complications. Accurate knowledge of this anatomical feature aids in the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.

Related Structures

• Occipital bone
• Transverse sinus
• Sigmoid sinus
• Internal jugular vein
• Dural venous sinuses
• Superior sagittal sinus
• Straight sinus
• Cerebral veins
• Cerebellar veins

See Also

• Dural venous sinuses
• Cerebral circulation
• Venous sinus thrombosis
• Neuroanatomy