Superficial cerebral veins

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Superficial cerebral veins are veins that drain the outermost part of the brain, known as the cerebral cortex. They are part of the venous system of the brain, which is responsible for removing deoxygenated blood and waste products from the brain tissue.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "superficial" comes from the Latin word "superficialis", which means "pertaining to the surface". The term "cerebral" comes from the Latin word "cerebrum", which means "brain". The term "vein" comes from the Latin word "vena", which means "blood vessel".

Structure[edit | edit source]

Superficial cerebral veins are located on the surface of the brain, specifically on the cerebral cortex. They are responsible for draining deoxygenated blood and waste products from the brain tissue and transporting them to the dural venous sinuses, which are large veins located within the dura mater, one of the protective layers of the brain.

There are several superficial cerebral veins, including the superior anastomotic vein, also known as the vein of Trolard, and the inferior anastomotic vein, also known as the vein of Labbé. These veins are named after the French physicians who first described them, Louis Théophile Joseph Landouzy and Paul Labbé, respectively.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the superficial cerebral veins is to drain deoxygenated blood and waste products from the brain tissue. This is an essential function, as it helps to maintain the health and function of the brain by removing waste products and providing a pathway for the return of deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Dysfunction or damage to the superficial cerebral veins can lead to serious medical conditions, such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, which is a type of stroke caused by a blood clot in the dural venous sinuses. This condition can cause symptoms such as headache, seizures, and neurological deficits, and requires immediate medical attention.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Superficial cerebral veins Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD