Inferior sagittal sinus

Inferior sagittal sinus is a dural venous sinus located in the human brain. It is one of the several venous sinuses that drain blood from the brain towards the internal jugular vein.

Anatomy

The inferior sagittal sinus is found along the free edge of the falx cerebri, a sickle-shaped fold of dura mater in the brain. It runs from the front to the back of the head, starting near the crista galli and ending at the straight sinus.

Function

The primary function of the inferior sagittal sinus, like other dural venous sinuses, is to collect deoxygenated blood and cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and transport it towards the heart. It drains into the straight sinus, which in turn drains into the transverse sinuses.

Clinical significance

Inferior sagittal sinus thrombosis is a rare but serious condition that can occur due to various causes such as infection, dehydration, and hypercoagulability. Symptoms can include headache, seizure, and neurological deficits. Diagnosis is typically made with magnetic resonance venography and treatment involves anticoagulation therapy.

See also

• Superior sagittal sinus
• Dural venous sinuses
• Venous sinus thrombosis