Middle cerebral vein

Middle Cerebral Vein

Middle cerebral vein shown in red on a Gray's Anatomy plate of the brain.

The Middle Cerebral Vein is a significant vein in the human brain. It is responsible for draining blood from the lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres and is a part of the cerebral venous system.

Structure

The Middle Cerebral Vein begins near the lateral extremity of the Sylvian fissure, and, winding around the posterior end of the insula, ends in the basal vein or the great cerebral vein. It receives numerous tributaries from the insula and the opercula, and through the anterior cerebral vein, it communicates with the superior sagittal sinus.

Function

The primary function of the Middle Cerebral Vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the brain's lateral surfaces. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the brain's homeostasis by ensuring the efficient removal of waste products from the brain tissues.

Clinical significance

Any obstruction or damage to the Middle Cerebral Vein can lead to serious medical conditions such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. This condition can cause symptoms like headache, abnormal vision, and even seizures.

See also

• Cerebral veins
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Veins of the head and neck

External links

• Anatomy Atlases - Anatomic Variants in the Human Brain