The dural sinuses brain venogram

             

The dural sinuses are venous channels located within the layers of the dura mater, which is the outermost of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These sinuses play a crucial role in draining blood from the brain and carrying it back to the heart. Here's a brief overview of their anatomy:

1. Superior Sagittal Sinus: This sinus is located within the superior border of the falx cerebri, running along the midline of the brain. It receives blood from the cerebral hemispheres and drains into the confluence of sinuses.

2. Inferior Sagittal Sinus: Situated in the inferior border of the falx cerebri, it runs parallel to the superior sagittal sinus. It drains into the straight sinus.

3. Straight Sinus: This sinus runs in the attached margin of the falx cerebri and drains into the confluence of sinuses.

4. Confluence of Sinuses (Torcular Herophili): It's a dilated area where the superior sagittal, straight, occipital, and transverse sinuses converge. This is located at the internal occipital protuberance.

5. Transverse Sinuses: These paired sinuses run horizontally from the confluence of sinuses toward the petrous part of the temporal bone, where they make a turn downward to become sigmoid sinuses. They receive blood from the confluence of sinuses and also receive cerebrospinal fluid from the arachnoid granulations.

6. Sigmoid Sinuses: Each sigmoid sinus curves downward and outward within the transverse sulcus, leaving the skull through the jugular foramen. It then continues as the internal jugular vein outside the skull.

7. Occipital Sinus: A small sinus located in the attached margin of the falx cerebelli. It drains into the confluence of sinuses or straight sinus.

8. Cavernous Sinuses: Paired sinuses located on either side of the sella turcica, in the sphenoid bone. They receive blood from the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins, superficial middle cerebral vein, and sphenoparietal sinus. They drain into the petrosal sinuses and the internal jugular veins.

9. Petrosal Sinuses: These include the superior and inferior petrosal sinuses. They receive blood from the cavernous sinuses and drain into the transverse sinuses.

These sinuses are crucial for the circulation and drainage of blood from the brain, and any disruption in their function can lead to serious neurological complications.