Transverse sinuses

Transverse Sinuses

Diagram of the sinuses of the dura mater

The transverse sinuses are two large venous channels located within the dura mater of the human brain. They are part of the dural venous sinuses, which are responsible for draining venous blood from the brain and directing it towards the internal jugular vein.

Anatomy

The transverse sinuses are situated in the posterior part of the cranial cavity. They run laterally from the confluence of sinuses, which is located near the internal occipital protuberance, and continue along the attached margin of the tentorium cerebelli.

Course

Base of the skull. Inferior surface

Each transverse sinus begins at the confluence of sinuses, where it receives blood from the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, and occipital sinus. From there, the transverse sinuses extend laterally and anteriorly, curving around the cerebellum. They eventually transition into the sigmoid sinuses, which then drain into the internal jugular veins.

Relations

The transverse sinuses are closely related to several important structures within the cranial cavity. They are bordered superiorly by the tentorium cerebelli, a fold of dura mater that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. Inferiorly, they are in proximity to the cerebellum.

Function

Diagram showing the sinuses of the dura

The primary function of the transverse sinuses is to facilitate the drainage of venous blood from the brain. They collect blood from the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, and occipital sinus, and channel it towards the sigmoid sinuses. This venous blood is then directed into the internal jugular veins, which carry it back to the heart.

Clinical Significance

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

The transverse sinuses can be involved in various pathological conditions. One such condition is cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), where a blood clot forms within the sinus, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential neurological deficits. Symptoms of CVST can include headache, visual disturbances, and seizures.

Related Pages

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

The sinuses at the base of the skull

Additional Images

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  The sinuses of the brain
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  The sinuses of the dura mater
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  The sinuses of the dura mater, viewed from above