Emissary

Emissary is a term used in anatomy to refer to small blood vessels or veins that carry blood away from the brain. These veins are unique in that they pass through the skull and connect the dura mater, one of the protective layers of the brain, with the veins of the scalp.

Function

The primary function of emissary veins is to aid in the cooling of the brain by allowing blood to flow from the inside of the skull to the outside, where it can be cooled by the surrounding air. This is particularly important in species that do not have a well-developed system of sweat glands, such as dogs and cats.

Clinical significance

While emissary veins play an important role in temperature regulation, they can also serve as a pathway for infection to spread from the scalp to the brain. This is because the veins are not equipped with valves, which would normally prevent the backward flow of blood. As a result, bacteria or other pathogens present on the scalp can potentially enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, leading to conditions such as meningitis or brain abscess.

See also

• Vein
• Brain
• Meningitis
• Brain abscess

References

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