Intercavernous sinuses

Intercavernous sinuses are a part of the human circulatory system that play a crucial role in the drainage of blood from the brain. They are located within the human skull, specifically in the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone.

Anatomy

The intercavernous sinuses consist of two circular venous channels, the anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses, which connect the two cavernous sinuses. These sinuses are located on either side of the pituitary gland, and they form a venous ring around it.

The anterior intercavernous sinus is smaller and less consistent than the posterior one. It passes in front of the hypophysis (pituitary gland), while the posterior intercavernous sinus passes behind it.

Function

The primary function of the intercavernous sinuses is to facilitate the drainage of blood from the brain. They serve as a pathway for blood to flow from the cavernous sinuses to the superior petrosal sinuses, inferior petrosal sinuses, and basilar plexus.

Clinical significance

Due to their location, the intercavernous sinuses can be affected by conditions that impact the pituitary gland or the sphenoid bone. For example, pituitary adenomas (tumors of the pituitary gland) can compress the intercavernous sinuses, leading to symptoms such as headache, visual field defects, and hormonal imbalances.

See also

• Cavernous sinus
• Sella turcica
• Pituitary gland
• Sphenoid bone