Sylvian vein

General Information
Latin	vena sylviana
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Venous system
Artery	Middle cerebral artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The Sylvian vein, also known as the vena sylviana, is a significant vein located in the brain. It is primarily responsible for draining blood from the cerebral cortex and directing it towards the cavernous sinus.

Anatomy

The Sylvian vein is situated in the Sylvian fissure, a prominent groove that separates the frontal lobe and parietal lobe from the temporal lobe of the brain. This vein is part of the superficial cerebral veins and plays a crucial role in the venous drainage of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

Function

The primary function of the Sylvian vein is to collect deoxygenated blood from the cerebral cortex and transport it to the cavernous sinus, which is a large collection of thin-walled veins located at the base of the skull. This process is essential for maintaining proper cerebral circulation and intracranial pressure.

Clinical Significance

The Sylvian vein is of particular interest in neurosurgery and neurology due to its proximity to critical brain structures. Any obstruction or damage to this vein can lead to complications such as venous infarction or increased intracranial pressure. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for surgical procedures involving the Sylvian fissure or adjacent areas.

See Also

• Cerebral veins
• Venous sinus
• Middle cerebral artery

External Links

• [Link to relevant medical resources]