Transverse sinuses

Major venous channels within the human brain

The transverse sinuses are two large venous channels located within the human brain. They are part of the dural venous sinuses, which are responsible for draining blood from the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid from the subarachnoid space.

Anatomy

The transverse sinuses are situated within the tentorium cerebelli, a fold of dura mater that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. Each transverse sinus begins at the confluence of sinuses, where it receives blood from the superior sagittal sinus, the straight sinus, and the occipital sinus.

The transverse sinuses run laterally along the posterior aspect of the skull, following the groove of the transverse sinus on the inner surface of the occipital bone. They then curve downward to become the sigmoid sinuses, which eventually drain into the internal jugular veins.

Function

The primary function of the transverse sinuses is to facilitate the drainage of venous blood from the brain. They collect blood from the cerebral veins, the cerebellar veins, and the dural venous sinuses, channeling it towards the internal jugular veins. This process is crucial for maintaining proper intracranial pressure and ensuring the removal of metabolic waste from the brain.

Clinical significance

The transverse sinuses can be affected by various medical conditions, such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), where a blood clot forms within the sinus, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential stroke. Symptoms of CVST may include headache, visual disturbances, and neurological deficits.

In some cases, the transverse sinuses may be asymmetrical, with one side being larger than the other. This is a normal anatomical variation and usually does not cause any clinical issues.

Imaging

The transverse sinuses can be visualized using various imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) venography. These imaging modalities are useful for diagnosing conditions like CVST and assessing the patency of the sinuses.

Gallery

• Diagram of the sinuses of the dura mater.

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  Base of the skull. Inferior surface.

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  Diagram showing the sinuses of the dura.

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  Sagittal section of the skull, showing the sinuses of the dura mater.

• The sinuses at the base of the skull.

• The sinuses of the brain.

• The sinuses of the dura mater.

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  The sinuses of the dura mater, viewed from above.

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  MRI showing the transverse sinuses.

• CT venography of the transverse sinuses.

Related pages

• Dural venous sinuses
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Sigmoid sinus
• Internal jugular vein

References

• Standring, S. (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd Edition. Elsevier.
• "Transverse Sinus." Radiopaedia. Accessed October 2023.

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