What are the dural venous sinuses and what is their function?

Dural venous sinuses are endothelium-lined channels located between layers of cranial dura mater. They function to drain venous blood from the brain and skull into the internal jugular veins, and they also receive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via arachnoid granulations.

Where is the cavernous sinus located and what structures does it contain?

The cavernous sinus is located on each side of the body of the sphenoid bone and sella turcica. It contains the internal carotid artery, sympathetic plexus, and abducent nerve (CN VI) within the sinus, with the oculomotor (CN III), trochlear (CN IV), ophthalmic (V1), and maxillary (V2) nerves in its lateral wall.

What are the clinical implications of cavernous sinus thrombosis?

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a condition where infection spreads from the face via veins like the facial or angular veins. It can lead to orbital signs such as pain, ophthalmoplegia (eye movement paralysis), and exophthalmos (protruding eye).

What is the role of the superior sagittal sinus?

The superior sagittal sinus runs along the attached convex margin of the falx cerebri and drains into the right transverse sinus. It is involved in draining superior cerebral veins and receiving CSF through arachnoid granulations.

What happens if the superior sagittal sinus becomes thrombosed?

Thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus can cause raised intracranial pressure and cerebral congestion. This may result in symptoms like delirium and various neurological signs.

How are the dural venous sinuses classified?

Dural venous sinuses are classified into 7 paired and 7 unpaired sinuses. Examples include paired sinuses like the transverse, sigmoid, and cavernous sinuses, and unpaired sinuses like the superior sagittal, straight, and occipital sinuses.

What is the clinical significance of sigmoid sinus thrombosis?

Sigmoid sinus thrombosis often follows infections in the middle ear or mastoid due to a thin bony barrier. It requires careful management, especially during mastoid surgery, to prevent complications.

Dural Venous Sinuses – Cavernous & Sagittal

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