Transverse sinuses

Transverse sinuses (pronunciation: trans-verse si-nu-ses) are two areas located at the base of the skull, which allow for the drainage of blood from the brain's dura mater to the internal jugular vein.

Etymology

The term "transverse" originates from the Latin word "transversus", meaning "lying across", and "sinus" from the Latin "sinus", meaning "bend" or "curve". This refers to the sinuses' curved, transverse position at the base of the skull.

Anatomy

The transverse sinuses are part of the dural venous sinuses, a system of channels found between layers of the dura mater. They begin at the confluence of sinuses, near the internal occipital protuberance, and extend laterally in a groove along the interior surface of the occipital bone. They then curve anteriorly to become the sigmoid sinuses, which ultimately drain into the internal jugular vein.

Function

The primary function of the transverse sinuses is to facilitate the drainage of blood from the brain's dura mater to the internal jugular vein. This process is crucial for maintaining proper cerebral circulation and preventing the buildup of pressure within the skull.

Related Terms

Dura mater: The outermost of the three layers of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Internal jugular vein: A major blood vessel that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.
Confluence of sinuses: A dilated area at the base of the brain where several dural sinuses converge.
Sigmoid sinuses: The continuation of the transverse sinuses, which drain into the internal jugular vein.
Cerebral circulation: The movement of blood through the network of blood vessels supplying the brain.