Sigmoid sinus

Sigmoid Sinus
Dural veins. ("Pars sigmoid" labeled at lower right.)
Details
SourceTransverse sinus
Drains toInternal jugular vein
Identifiers
Latinsinus sigmoideus
TA98A12.3.05.108
TA24847
FMA50782
Anatomical terminology

The sigmoid sinuses (sigma- or s-shaped hollow curve), also known as the pars sigmoid, are paired dural venous sinuses within the skull that receive blood from posterior transverse sinuses.

Structure

The sigmoid sinus is a dural venous sinus situated within the dura mater. The sigmoid sinus receives blood from the transverse sinuses, which track the posterior wall of the cranial cavity, travels inferiorly along the parietal bone, temporal bone and occipital bone, and converges with the inferior petrosal sinuses to form the internal jugular vein.[1] : 795–6 

Each sigmoid sinus begins beneath the temporal bone and follows a tortuous course to the jugular foramen, at which point the sinus becomes continuous with the internal jugular vein.

Function

The sigmoid sinus receives blood from the transverse sinuses, which receive blood from the posterior aspect of the skull. Along its course, the sigmoid sinus also receives blood from the cerebral veins, cerebellar veins, diploic veins, and emissary veins.[1] : 795 

References

  1. ^ a b Drake, Richard L.; Vogl, Wayne; Tibbitts, Adam W.M. Mitchell; illustrations by Richard; Richardson, Paul (2005). Gray's anatomy for students (Pbk. ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0-443-06612-2.