Cerebral veins

Cerebral Veins

Diagram of cerebral veins

The cerebral veins are a network of veins that drain blood from the brain. They are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood from the brain to the heart. The cerebral veins are divided into two main groups: the superficial cerebral veins and the deep cerebral veins.

Superficial Cerebral Veins

The superficial cerebral veins are located on the surface of the brain and are responsible for draining the outer parts of the cerebral cortex. These veins include:

• Superior cerebral veins: These veins drain the superior parts of the cerebral hemispheres and empty into the superior sagittal sinus.
• Middle cerebral veins: These veins drain the lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres and empty into the cavernous sinus.
• Inferior cerebral veins: These veins drain the inferior surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres and empty into the transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus.

Deep Cerebral Veins

File:CNS Venography 3D SR Nevit Dilmen.stl

The deep cerebral veins drain the inner parts of the brain, including the basal ganglia, thalamus, and internal capsule. The main deep cerebral veins include:

• Internal cerebral veins: These veins are formed by the union of the thalamostriate vein and the choroidal vein. They run along the roof of the third ventricle and join to form the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen).
• Basal veins (of Rosenthal): These veins drain the base of the brain and empty into the great cerebral vein.

Venous Sinuses

The cerebral veins ultimately drain into the dural venous sinuses, which are channels between the layers of the dura mater. The major dural venous sinuses include:

• Superior sagittal sinus: Located along the midline of the brain, it drains into the confluence of sinuses.
• Inferior sagittal sinus: Runs along the lower edge of the falx cerebri and drains into the straight sinus.
• Transverse sinuses: These sinuses run laterally from the confluence of sinuses and drain into the sigmoid sinuses.
• Sigmoid sinuses: These sinuses continue from the transverse sinuses and drain into the internal jugular vein.

Clinical Significance

The cerebral veins are crucial for maintaining proper cerebral circulation. Any obstruction or thrombosis in these veins can lead to increased intracranial pressure and conditions such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Symptoms of CVST can include headache, vision problems, and neurological deficits.

Related Pages

• Cerebral circulation
• Dural venous sinuses
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Vein of Galen malformation