What are the relations of the cavernous sinus?
Cavernous sinus
| Location | Paired venous cavities that sit on either side of the sphenoid bone, extending from the most posterior aspect of the orbit to the petrous part of the temporal bone. |
|---|---|
| Drains to | Superior and inferior petrosal sinuses |
| Clinical relations | Carotid-cavernous fistula, cavernous sinus thrombosis |
What is cavernous sinus in anatomy?
The cavernous sinus is part of the brain’s dural venous sinus and contains multiple neuro-vasculatures. It is situated bilaterally to the sella turcica and extends from the superior orbital fissure anteriorly to the petrous part of the temporal bone posteriorly, and is about 1 cm wide and 2 cm long.
What structure passes through cavernous sinus?
The internal carotid artery and the abducens nerve pass through the cavernous sinus. On its lateral wall from above downwards lie the oculomotor, trochlear and ophthalmic nerves (Fig. 7.60). The maxillary division of the trigeminal goes through the lower part of the lateral wall or just outside the sinus.
What is the significance of the cavernous sinus?
Cavernous sinuses drain the blood from the orbits through the ophthalmic veins and from the anterior part of the base of the brain by the sphenoparietal sinus and the middle cerebral veins. They empty into both the superior and inferior petrosal sinuses and ultimately into the internal jugular veins.
What is the location of the cavernous sinus?
The cavernous sinus is located on either side of the pituitary fossa and body of the sphenoid bone between the endosteal and meningeal layers of the dura. It spans from the apex of the orbit to the apex of the petrous temporal bone.
How do facial veins communicate with cavernous sinuses?
The ophthalmic veins drain into the anterior part of the sinus. Emissary veins passing through the foramina in the middle cranial fossa connect the cavernous sinus to the pterygoid plexus of veins and to the facial veins. The superficial middle cerebral vein drains into the cavernous sinus from above.
What is Cavernous venous sinus?
Cavernous venous sinuses are paired dural venous sinuses located in the middle cranial fossa on either side of the body of sphenoid bone. They extend from the medial end of superior orbital fissure (anteriorly) to the apex of petrous temporal bone (posteriorly). They are 2cm. long and 1cm. wide.
How do the cavernous sinuses connect to each other?
Additionally, the cavernous sinuses connect to each other via the intercavernous sinuses. These can be remembered with the mnemonic O TOM CAT. The cavernous sinus transmits multiple cranial nerves to the superior orbital fissure and foramen rotundum.
What are the borders of the cavernous sinus?
The cavernous sinuses are located within the middle cranial fossa, on either side of the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone (which contains the pituitary gland). They are enclosed by the endosteal and meningeal layers of the dura mater. The borders of the cavernous sinus are as follows: Anterior – superior orbital fissure.
What are the tributaries of the cavernous sinus?
The cavernous sinus generally has five venous tributaries. The superior ophthalmic vein receives blood from the ethmoidal, nasofrontal, vorticose (drains the ocular choroid), and central retinal veins. It drains into the anterior part of the sinus via the superior orbital fissure.
