Petrosal sinus

The Petrosal Sinus is a part of the human anatomy specifically related to the venous system. It is divided into two parts: the superior petrosal sinus and the inferior petrosal sinus. Both are located in the skull and are responsible for draining blood from the brain to the jugular vein.

Superior Petrosal Sinus

The superior petrosal sinus, also known as the sinus of the petrous part of the temporal bone, is a dural venous sinus. It begins at the cavernous sinus, runs along the upper border of the petrous part of the temporal bone, and ends in the sigmoid sinus. It drains the cerebellum and the posterior cranial fossa.

Inferior Petrosal Sinus

The inferior petrosal sinus is a dural venous sinus that drains blood from the cavernous sinus into the internal jugular vein. It is located between the layers of the dura mater in the human brain, and it runs in the groove between the basilar part of the occipital bone and the petrous part of the temporal bone.

Clinical Significance

The petrosal sinuses, particularly the inferior petrosal sinus, can be involved in the spread of infection from the middle ear, mastoid air cells, or meninges. This can lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The petrosal sinuses can also be involved in certain surgical procedures, such as the transpetrosal approach for the removal of brain tumors.

See Also

• Dural venous sinuses
• Cavernous sinus
• Sigmoid sinus
• Internal jugular vein