Tentorial sinus

Tentorial Sinus

The Tentorial Sinus is a significant anatomical structure in the human brain. It is a part of the venous system of the brain, specifically the dural venous sinuses, which are responsible for draining blood from the brain back to the heart.

Anatomy

The Tentorial Sinus is located within the tentorium cerebelli, a fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the inferior portion of the occipital lobes. The sinus is formed by the splitting of the two layers of the dura mater at the attached edge of the tentorium cerebelli.

Function

The primary function of the Tentorial Sinus, like other dural venous sinuses, is to collect blood that has been deoxygenated after it has circulated through the brain. This blood is then returned to the systemic circulation. The Tentorial Sinus specifically drains the posterior areas of the brain.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and function, the Tentorial Sinus can be involved in several medical conditions. These include cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, where a blood clot forms in the dural venous sinuses, and subdural hematoma, where blood collects between the dura mater and the brain. Both conditions can lead to serious neurological complications.

See Also

• Dura Mater
• Venous Sinus
• Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
• Subdural Hematoma