Occipital sinus

Occipital sinus is a dural venous sinus located in the human skull. It is a part of the human circulatory system and plays a crucial role in draining blood from the posterior part of the human brain.

Anatomy

The occipital sinus is found in the posterior part of the human skull, running in the attached margin of the falx cerebri. It begins near the foramen magnum, a large opening in the base of the skull, and ends at the confluence of sinuses, where it joins with the superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinuses.

Function

The primary function of the occipital sinus is to drain blood from the posterior part of the brain. It collects blood from the internal veins of the cerebellum, the lower part of the cerebral hemispheres, and the posterior part of the falx cerebri. The blood is then returned to the systemic circulation via the internal jugular vein.

Clinical significance

Due to its location and function, the occipital sinus can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, thrombosis in the occipital sinus can lead to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a serious condition that can cause stroke or seizure. Furthermore, the occipital sinus can be a site of dural arteriovenous fistula, a rare vascular condition that can cause symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, and visual impairment.

See also

• Dural venous sinuses
• Human circulatory system
• Human skull
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Dural arteriovenous fistula