Superficial veins of the brain

Superficial veins of the brain are veins that drain the outermost part of the brain, known as the cerebral cortex, and the parts of the brain that lie closest to the skull. These veins are part of the cerebrovascular system, which is responsible for supplying the brain with oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products.

Etymology

The term "superficial" comes from the Latin word "superficialis", which means "pertaining to the surface". The term "vein" comes from the Latin word "vena", which means "blood vessel". The term "brain" comes from the Old English word "brægen", which means "brain".

Anatomy

The superficial veins of the brain are divided into two main groups: the superior cerebral veins and the inferior cerebral veins. The superior cerebral veins drain the upper part of the cerebral cortex, while the inferior cerebral veins drain the lower part of the cerebral cortex.

The superior cerebral veins include the superior sagittal sinus, which drains the upper part of the brain, and the transverse sinus, which drains the back part of the brain. The inferior cerebral veins include the inferior sagittal sinus, which drains the lower part of the brain, and the straight sinus, which drains the middle part of the brain.

Function

The main function of the superficial veins of the brain is to drain deoxygenated blood and waste products from the cerebral cortex and the parts of the brain that lie closest to the skull. This blood is then returned to the heart via the internal jugular vein.

Clinical significance

Diseases and conditions that can affect the superficial veins of the brain include cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the brain's venous sinuses, and subdural hematoma, which is a collection of blood on the surface of the brain.

See also

• Deep veins of the brain
• Cerebral circulation
• Cerebrovascular disease

References

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