Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Confluence of sinuses

The confluence of sinuses, also known as the torcular Herophili, is an unpaired dural venous sinus situated at the internal occipital protuberance on the posterior aspect of the , serving as the junction where the , , and occipital sinus converge to facilitate the drainage of deoxygenated blood from the cerebral hemispheres, , and into the paired . This structure forms part of the extensive dural venous sinus system, which consists of endothelium-lined channels between the periosteal and meningeal layers of the , lacking valves and capable of receiving blood from cerebral veins, diploic veins, and while also aiding in the absorption of through arachnoid granulations. The , running along the superior edge of the , contributes the largest volume of blood to the confluence, typically draining into the right transverse sinus in a majority of cases due to anatomical asymmetry, while the (formed by the union of the inferior sagittal sinus and ) and the occipital sinus (draining the posterior ) provide additional inflow, ensuring efficient venous return toward the sigmoid sinuses and ultimately the internal jugular veins. Anatomical variations at the confluence are common and clinically significant, with configurations classified into types such as true (symmetric junction of all three sinuses), partial confluence (where one sinus may drain directly into a transverse sinus without fully merging), and non-confluence (asymmetric or absent connections), often resulting in or dominance of one transverse sinus that can influence cerebral venous outflow dynamics. These variations, observed in up to 50% of individuals via imaging modalities like magnetic resonance , may predispose to conditions such as , which can cause elevated , headaches, or , particularly if the dominant drainage pathway is compromised. In neurosurgical contexts, such as posterior approaches or venous reconstruction, precise preoperative evaluation of the confluence is essential to avoid iatrogenic injury and preserve hemodynamic balance.

Anatomy

Location and relations

The confluence of sinuses, also known as the torcular Herophili, is situated at the internal occipital protuberance on the inner surface of the within the . It lies deep to the squamous portion of the , immediately inferior to the occipital lobes of the and posterosuperior to the , occupying a strategic position in the midline along the posterior aspect of the . This location corresponds to a shallow bony depression on the endocranial surface of the , facilitating its embedding within the . In terms of spatial relations, the confluence is bordered inferiorly by the , a dural fold that separates the cerebellar hemispheres and houses the occipital sinus leading to the confluence. Laterally, it adjoins the tentorium cerebelli, the dural tent that divides the from the and supports the extending from the confluence. Anteriorly, the superior sagittal sinus converges upon it from the midline, while the straight sinus approaches from the anteroinferior direction at the junction of the and tentorium cerebelli; inferiorly, the occipital sinus drains into it via the , and laterally, the right and left originate from this point to course along the tentorium. The structure is located in the midline and measures approximately 1-1.5 cm in width, positioned about 3-4 cm superior to the . This arrangement positions the confluence as a central hub for the convergence of major , directing cerebral venous outflow toward the jugular veins.

Gross morphology

The of sinuses, also known as the torcular Herophili, represents the junction where the , , and occipital sinus converge to form the right and left , often appearing as a Y-shaped or triangular dilation in gross anatomical preparations. This structure is formed by the apposition of dural layers and serves as a central point for from the cerebral hemispheres, , and posterior fossa. In cadaveric dissections, it is observed as an irregular, widened venous space embedded within the at the posterior aspect of the skull base. A characteristic feature is its anatomical asymmetry, with the typically draining predominantly into the right transverse sinus in approximately 60% of individuals, while in the remaining cases, drainage may favor the left side or occur bilaterally in a more balanced manner. This asymmetry arises from variations in the partitioning of the confluence, which can range from a simple to more complex forking patterns without direct inter-sinus connections. Such configurations are evident upon gross examination and contribute to the individualized nature of dural venous drainage. In terms of dimensions, the confluence exhibits size variations, with an average ranging from 5 to 10 mm, though it may dilate up to 1-2 cm in some specimens due to individual anatomical differences. Internal structures may include partial dural folds or septations that partially divide the , potentially influencing flow distribution but not obstructing it in normal ; these are visible as thin, fibrous partitions during . Additional tributaries beyond the primary sinuses are infrequent but can include small that pierce the surrounding dura to connect the confluence with extracranial venous networks, such as those in the or , facilitating minor inter-compartmental drainage. These emissary connections are typically sparse and valveless, appearing as fine channels in gross views.

Histology

The confluence of sinuses, like other , is lined by a continuous layer of flattened endothelial cells that form a non-fenestrated barrier, facilitating the passage of while preventing leakage into surrounding tissues. This is supported by a thin subendothelial layer containing sparse cells and elastic fibers, which provide limited contractility and resilience to the vessel walls. The content varies regionally, comprising approximately 23-50% of the wall area in adjacent transverse and superior sagittal sinuses, as observed in histological analyses. The structure is enveloped by the two layers of the : the outer periosteal layer adherent to the and the inner meningeal layer, between which the sinus cavity forms. Arachnoid granulations, protrusions of arachnoid membrane containing and , may project into the of sinuses, aiding in the absorption of into the venous circulation. These granulations are present in up to 5% of cases at the , contributing to CSF . Unlike typical veins, the confluence of sinuses lacks valves, permitting potential bidirectional blood flow and reducing resistance to drainage variations. The outer is rich in fibers, constituting 84-94% of the , which imparts structural integrity and tensile strength to withstand fluctuations. In contrast to , the walls of the confluence exhibit a notable absence of a thick muscularis layer, relying instead on dural support for stability, and feature thinner overall dimensions that accommodate low-pressure venous flow. This composition underscores its adaptation for passive drainage rather than active regulation.

Embryology

Developmental origins

The confluence of sinuses, also known as the torcular Herophili, originates during early as part of the broader formation of the dural venous system. This structure emerges from a primitive associated with the developing , which differentiates into three main dural venous : anterior, middle, and posterior. These initially drain the and surrounding , with the anterior positioned along the developing midline and the middle and posterior extending laterally and caudally. By approximately the 8th week of (around 20-30 mm ), the anterior and middle dural venous es begin to fuse, establishing the foundational channels that contribute to the . The anterior primarily gives rise to the component, which extends rostrally along the , while the middle contributes to the and the initial transverse sinus elements that converge at the site. This fusion process is driven by the expanding brain tissue and associated hemodynamic demands, leading to selective enlargement of certain venous channels while others regress. The posterior dural venous plexus, located near the developing occipital region, develops into the occipital sinus, which runs along the attached margin of the and joins the caudally. Concurrently, the early marginal sinuses—circumferential venous channels around the —undergo progressive regression as the primary drainage shifts dorsally, allowing the to consolidate at the site corresponding to the future internal occipital protuberance. By the 12th week of gestation (approximately 50-80 mm ), the is distinctly formed as a dilated junction where the superior sagittal, , and occipital sinuses meet before draining into the . This regression and reorganization ensure efficient venous outflow from the , adapting to the upright posture and brain growth in later stages.

Postnatal changes

Following birth, the confluence of sinuses undergoes rapid structural expansion in parallel with growth during infancy. The of the torcula increases from a mean of 8.4 mm in children under 1 year to 13.3 mm by ages 1–5 years, representing approximately a 1.6-fold enlargement, while the contributing grows from 4.0 mm to 7.4 mm (about 1.9-fold) and the from 3.1–3.7 mm to 5.4–5.9 mm (1.7–1.9-fold). This accelerated phase, driven by the tripling of volume in the first year and continued expansion through , results in overall 2–3-fold increases in sinus dimensions by age 7, with stabilization approaching adult sizes (torcula ~15–17 mm) by ages 5–10. Asymmetry in drainage patterns at the develops early in postnatal , with right-sided dominance of the drainage into the right transverse sinus evident by infancy and persisting through childhood. In infants under 1 year, the right transverse sinus already averages 3.7 mm compared to 3.1 mm on the left, a pattern that strengthens with growth (right reaching 8.1 mm vs. left 6.4 mm by ages 6–10) and is likely influenced by emerging cerebral lateralization. In adulthood and aging, the confluence exhibits mild volumetric alterations, including up to an 18.5% increase in peri-sinus space volume, reflecting subtle dural expansion or lymphatic widening. Concurrently, potential fibrotic changes elevate content to 84–94% of the , reducing vascular compliance and stiffness varying regionally (longitudinal moduli 33–58 MPa). Ongoing remodeling of the confluence persists via hemodynamic cues, with from blood flow gradients—higher posteriorly in the —driving alignment and adaptive structural changes.

Function

Venous drainage pathways

The confluence of sinuses serves as the primary point for venous blood from multiple dural sinuses, facilitating the of deoxygenated blood from the brain parenchyma and . It receives inflow primarily from the , which collects blood from the superficial cortical veins of the cerebral hemispheres via bridging veins that pierce the . The straight sinus contributes additional , formed by the union of the inferior sagittal sinus and the (vein of ); the gathers blood from deep structures including the internal cerebral veins, which drain the , , and . The occipital sinus provides a smaller inflow, draining small veins from the posterior fossa, including those associated with the , , and . From the , venous blood is directed bilaterally into the , which course laterally within the tentorium cerebelli. These then continue as the sigmoid sinuses, curving downward to empty into the internal jugular veins at the jugular foramina, ultimately returning blood to the systemic circulation via the . This pathway represents the major route for cerebral venous outflow, integrating superficial and deep drainage systems. Accessory pathways, such as the superior and inferior petrosal sinuses, may indirectly influence flow at the through anastomoses with the transverse and sigmoid sinuses, allowing collateral drainage from the cavernous sinuses and regions.

Hemodynamic role

The confluence of sinuses operates as a low-pressure venous system, with typical intracranial venous pressures ranging from 7 to 13 mmHg, approximately 4-5 mmHg above in healthy individuals. This facilitates the passive drainage of deoxygenated blood from cerebral veins into the dural sinuses. Total cerebral venous outflow through the averages 600-800 mL/min, matching the brain's metabolic demand and representing about 15% of . Asymmetry in the , often with the right side dominant in approximately 60% of individuals, plays a key hemodynamic role by optimizing flow distribution and preventing . The larger right accommodates a greater proportion of , ensuring efficient convergence at the and reducing the risk of turbulent flow or localized pressure elevations under normal conditions. Hemodynamic regulation at the confluence is modulated by intracranial pressure (ICP) and respiratory dynamics. Elevated ICP compresses venous structures, increasing upstream pressure and potentially impeding outflow, while normal ICP (around 7-15 mmHg) maintains balanced flow. Respiratory influences, such as the , transiently raise intrathoracic pressure, which propagates to the intracranial compartment, elevating venous pressure by up to 20-40 mmHg during the strain phase and briefly hindering cerebral venous return. The confluence interacts with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics through arachnoid granulations, which protrude into the sinuses and enable CSF absorption into the venous bloodstream when CSF exceeds venous by about 4 mmHg. This process helps maintain equilibrium, with the mechanism resembling a Starling resistor model where collapsible venous walls regulate flow based on transmural differences, without requiring detailed .

Clinical aspects

Associated pathologies

The confluence of sinuses can be affected by several pathologies that disrupt normal venous drainage from the cerebral hemispheres, potentially leading to increased and neurological deficits. (CVST) is a key condition involving the confluence, where formation obstructs venous outflow, with an annual incidence estimated at 10 to 20 cases per million population. Risk factors include , which promotes , and hypercoagulable states such as pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, or inherited thrombophilias like mutation. Common symptoms encompass in 80-90% of cases, often subacute and progressive, along with seizures in approximately 40% of patients, which may be focal or generalized. Involvement of the confluence, particularly extending to the deep venous system, is associated with poorer outcomes due to widespread venous congestion. Management primarily involves anticoagulation therapy, such as initial followed by oral agents like or direct oral anticoagulants for 3 to 6 months in provoked cases, to prevent extension and promote recanalization. Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) represent abnormal arteriovenous shunts at the , creating high-flow states that divert from venous pathways and risk cortical venous . These lesions are often acquired following venous or , though rare congenital forms exist, and they typically manifest with pulsatile , , or neurological deficits from venous . The location is uncommon but challenging due to multiple arterial feeders from dural branches, leading to potential hemorrhage or ischemia if untreated. Endovascular is a standard treatment to occlude the fistulous connections while preserving patency. Trauma-induced occlusion of the confluence often results from skull base fractures that directly injure the dural sinuses, causing laceration, , or extrinsic and subsequent venous . Such injuries are a complication of , with the confluence vulnerable due to its posterior fossa position, leading to symptoms like altered , focal deficits, or hemorrhagic from impaired . Risk is heightened in high-impact events involving the occiput or . Tumors such as meningiomas frequently compress or invade the , with approximately 14.6-16.5% of parasagittal meningiomas involving the venous sinuses, including the , resulting in venous outflow obstruction and symptoms of intracranial like or visual disturbances. These benign neoplasms arise from dural arachnoid cells and exert on the torcular herophili, potentially causing or cognitive changes.

Diagnostic approaches

Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) serves as the gold standard for non-invasive evaluation of the confluence of sinuses, utilizing non-contrast time-of-flight sequences to depict voids in patent venous structures. These sequences highlight the normal patent Y-junction configuration at the confluence, characterized by symmetric from the superior sagittal, , and occipital sinuses into the without signal gaps. In cases of , contrast-enhanced MRV improves detection by revealing filling defects or signal loss, achieving a of approximately 86% and specificity of 94% for involving the confluence. Computed tomography venography (CTV) provides a rapid alternative in acute clinical settings, particularly for emergency assessment of the , where it identifies filling defects in thrombosed segments with a ranging from 75% to 100%, depending on the specific sinus involved. This technique is especially useful when is contraindicated, offering high-resolution visualization of the confluence's patency and any asymmetries in drainage patterns. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the invasive reference standard for detailed hemodynamic mapping of the confluence prior to interventional procedures, providing precise delineation of flow dynamics and anatomical variations such as asymmetric dominance. It excels in confirming subtle abnormalities not fully resolved by non-invasive methods, though its use is reserved for cases requiring therapeutic planning due to associated risks. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound offers a non-invasive means to assess flow velocity at the confluence, particularly through venous waveform analysis, but its utility is limited by acoustic shadowing from the calvarial bone, restricting reliable insonation to superficial aspects. Normal findings include continuous, low-velocity venous signals with symmetric pulsatility at the Y-junction, while may manifest as absent or reversed flow.

Surgical relevance

The confluence of sinuses serves as a critical anatomical in neurosurgical approaches to the pineal region and posterior fossa, particularly via the occipital transtentorial or suboccipital craniectomy routes for tumors encroaching upon it, such as meningiomas or gliomas. In these procedures, surgeons access the region by exposing the transverse sinus and torcular herophili, allowing for tumor resection while navigating the converging venous structures to minimize disruption to cerebral venous outflow. Intraoperative risks are prominent, including venous bleeding upon sinus entry, which can lead to significant hemorrhage; the incidence of venous injury during meningioma resections involving dural sinuses ranges from 2.6% to 30%. Additionally, opening the sinuses heightens the risk of , a potentially fatal complication due to negative pressure gradients drawing air into the venous system, especially in sitting or semi-sitting positions. risks, as noted in associated pathologies, may also manifest intraoperatively if flow is compromised. Preservation of the is prioritized through techniques such as avoiding unnecessary of segments, applying hemostatic agents like sponges or flowable sealants for bleeding control, and employing temporary clips for test occlusion to assess tolerance. For cases involving , endovascular interventions, including or local , offer adjunctive options to restore patency without open repair. Postoperatively, patients undergo serial imaging, such as or MRI, to monitor for or venous , which can arise from impaired drainage and necessitate prompt intervention to prevent neurological deficits.

History

Anatomical discovery

The confluence of sinuses, a critical of dural venous channels at the posterior aspect of the , was first described in antiquity through pioneering human dissections conducted by Herophilus of around 300 BCE in . As one of the earliest anatomists to perform systematic vivisections and postmortem examinations, Herophilus noted the venous where major sinuses converge, likening it to a due to its compressive structure on surrounding tissues; this observation laid the groundwork for later eponyms like torcular Herophili, though no original texts survive and his descriptions are preserved via secondary sources. In the 2nd century CE, of built upon Herophilus's work by extensively documenting the intracranial venous system in his anatomical treatises, such as On the Usefulness of the Parts. accurately depicted the interconnected nature of the dural sinuses; his influence dominated Western anatomy for over a , shaping early understandings of the confluence. During the , advanced the visualization of the confluence through detailed illustrations in his seminal work De humani corporis fabrica libri septem. In plates from Book VII, Vesalius depicted the dural membranes and sinuses via layered dissections, confirming the confluence's location near the internal occipital protuberance and correcting Galenic misconceptions about venous pathways; these engravings, based on direct cadaveric studies, provided the first precise topographical representations, emphasizing its with the straight, occipital, and . In the , Jakob Henle offered a more systematic analysis in his 1871 Handbuch der systematischen Anatomie des Menschen. A major milestone in studying the intracranial vasculature occurred in 1927 with Egas Moniz's invention of , enabling visualization of cerebral blood vessels, including aspects of the dural sinuses in the venous phase. By injecting iodized oil into carotid arteries and capturing radiographic images, Moniz revolutionized diagnostic assessment of intracranial pathologies beyond static dissections.

Nomenclature evolution

The nomenclature for the confluence of sinuses traces its roots to ancient anatomy, where Herophilus of (c. 335–280 BCE) first described the structure as a convergence of venous channels resembling a wine vat (lenos in ), evoking the image of pressed grapes due to the apparent compression of blood within the dural folds. This description was preserved through secondary sources, as none of Herophilus's original works survive intact. Rufus of Ephesus (c. 98–117 ), in his treatise De anatomia partium corporis humani, referenced Herophilus's contributions to , helping to perpetuate the association and laying groundwork for the eponymous Latin term torcular Herophili, where torcular translates to "wine press" and honors the pioneering anatomist. During the Renaissance, the descriptive Latin phrase confluens sinuum—literally "meeting" or "confluence of the sinuses"—emerged in the 16th century, reflecting a shift toward systematic nomenclature in printed anatomical works. Andreas Vesalius, in his seminal De humani corporis fabrica (1543), detailed the dural venous system and employed terms like this to denote the junction of the superior sagittal, straight, and transverse sinuses, emphasizing functional convergence over metaphorical imagery. By the 19th century, variants such as torcula appeared in anatomical literature, often denoting the bony occipital enclosure housing the structure rather than the venous junction itself, likely arising as a grammatical adaptation from the singular torculum (diminutive of wine press). In contemporary usage, the Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology standardized confluens sinuum as the official Latin name in the (1998), prioritizing precision and universality while listing torcular Herophili as a historical to acknowledge its eponymic legacy. This evolution underscores a progression from vivid, analogical naming in to standardized, descriptive terminology in modern anatomy, influenced by cultural translations and scientific rigor.

References

  1. [1]
    Neuroanatomy, Dural Venous Sinuses - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    It forms as an attachment into the occipital bone transporting venous blood from the confluence of sinuses to the left and right sigmoid sinuses. Sigmoid ...
  2. [2]
    A Cadaveric Case of a Circular Torcular Herophili - PMC - NIH
    Aug 4, 2018 · The confluence of sinuses also called the torcular Herophili lies near the internal occipital protuberance and receives venous drainage from ...
  3. [3]
    Morphological study of sinus flow in the confluence of ... - PubMed
    The confluence of sinuses (CS; torcular herophili) is represented by the junction of the superior sagittal (SSS), straight (SS), occipital (OS), ...
  4. [4]
    Torcular Herophili classification and evaluation of dural venous ...
    The study classified dural venous sinuses into three types: true confluence, partial confluence, and non-confluence, using MRV and DSA. Partial confluence was ...<|separator|>
  5. [5]
    Absence of the torcular, review of venous sinus anatomy ... - PubMed
    Apr 4, 2023 · The confluence of the venous sinuses is a highly variable anatomical area that is rarely evaluated with neuroimaging before surgery.
  6. [6]
    Evaluation of dural venous sinuses and confluence of ... - PubMed
    Mar 7, 2018 · We aimed to determine the anatomical variations more comprehensively particularly at the level of superior sagittal sinus (SSS), confluence of sinuses (CS), ...
  7. [7]
    Dural Venous Sinuses - Superior Sagittal - TeachMeAnatomy
    ### Summary of Confluence of Sinuses (Torcular Herophili)
  8. [8]
    Confluence of Sinuses - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
    ... internal occipital protuberance. The confluence of sinuses gives rise to the transverse sinus and receives blood from the occipital sinus. The cavernous ...
  9. [9]
    Dural venous sinuses: Anatomy, location and function - Kenhub
    ... confluence of sinuses; at the level of the internal occipital protuberance. The sinus also receives venous contributions from the inferior cerebral vein and ...Missing: relations | Show results with:relations
  10. [10]
    Confluence of sinuses: Anatomy, tributaries, drainage | Kenhub
    The confluence of sinuses is a junction between the superior sagittal, straight, occipital and transverse sinuses. Learn about its anatomy at Kenhub!Missing: gross | Show results with:gross
  11. [11]
    Confluence of sinuses | Radiology Reference Article
    Jun 18, 2023 · The confluence of sinuses (Latin: confluens sinuum), also known as the torcular Herophili and occasionally simply torcula, is the junction of the following ...
  12. [12]
    Superior Sagittal Sinus - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
    In approximately 60% of cases, superior sagittal sinus ends by becoming the right transverse sinus.70–74 At the termination of the superior sagittal sinus ...
  13. [13]
    Intraluminal anatomy of the transverse sinus: implications for ... - NIH
    Dec 31, 2020 · The transverse sinus originates in the posterior cranial fossa at the junction of the superior sagittal, straight, and occipital sinuses, ...
  14. [14]
    The dural venous sinuses: Normal intraluminal architecture defined ...
    Aug 9, 2025 · Trabeculations or septations of the dural venous sinuses have been reported, mainly within the superior sagittal or transverse sinus, often ...<|separator|>
  15. [15]
    Anatomy, Head and Neck, Emissary Veins - StatPearls - NCBI - NIH
    Jul 25, 2023 · Emissary veins are valveless venous structures that connect the extracranial vessels of the scalp to the intracranial dural venous sinuses and diploic veins.Missing: confluence | Show results with:confluence
  16. [16]
    Mechanical and structural characterisation of the dural venous sinuses
    Dec 10, 2020 · As shown in Table 1, the mean diameter of the SSS lumen increased anterior to posterior from 2.9 mm in the frontal region to 5.1 mm in the ...
  17. [17]
    Arachnoid granulation | Radiology Reference Article
    Feb 18, 2025 · Arachnoid granulations, also known as Pacchionian granulations, are projections of the arachnoid membrane (villi) into the dural sinuses that allow CSF to pass.Aberrant arachnoid granulations · Brain herniation into arachnoid...
  18. [18]
    MRI of arachnoid granulations within the dural sinuses using a ...
    In that series of CT studies, 92% of the arachnoid granulations were seen within the transverse sinus, 5% were identified in the confluence of sinuses, 1% was ...
  19. [19]
    Anatomy of cerebral veins and dural sinuses | STROKE MANUAL
    Apr 9, 2022 · Venous blood is drained from the brain by a system of cerebral veins (vv. cerebri), which are emptied into dural sinuses and cervical veins.
  20. [20]
    Paper - The development of the venous sinuses of the dura mater in ...
    Sep 11, 2018 · The paper details the development of dural veins into sinuses, including initial head drainage, separation into layers, and adjustments due to ...
  21. [21]
    Dural venous sinuses | Radiology Reference Article - Radiopaedia.org
    Jul 23, 2025 · Dural venous sinuses are venous channels located intracranially between the two layers of the dura mater (endosteal layer and meningeal layer)Question 333 · Question 349 · Question 346<|control11|><|separator|>
  22. [22]
    (PDF) Multiple Fenestrated Dural Venous Sinuses: A Case Report
    Oct 15, 2024 · Embryological development of the dural venous sinuses. (A) Approximately day 48, and (B) approximately 9th week. Note the progression of the ...Missing: gestation | Show results with:gestation
  23. [23]
    Role of VEGF in organogenesis - PMC - NIH
    In the embryo, VEGF signalling promotes differentiation of a KDR+ progenitor cells into the endothelial and hematopoetic lineages. Differentiation decisions ...
  24. [24]
    Development - VEGF-family signaling Pathway Map - Bio-Rad
    The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of ligands and receptors is crucial for vascular development and neovascularization in physiological and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Falx cerebelli and its associated occipital venous sinus - NIH
    Jul 8, 2024 · This study presents the morphological variation of falx cerebelli, which helps to identify the possible variations in the presence of the occipital sinus.
  26. [26]
    and radiologic study. emissary veins, and jugular bulb
    The marginal sinus (3) around the foramen magnum also shows regression. The transverse sinus ( 1) is labeled.
  27. [27]
    Variations of Intracranial Dural Venous Sinus Diameters from Birth to ...
    In general, dural venous sinuses demonstrated maximal growth between 0 and 7 years of age, which demonstrates postnatal plasticity of the cerebral venous system ...
  28. [28]
    Cerebral Venous Embryology - neuroangio.org
    According to Padget, growth of the otic vesicle forms a kind of barrier between the primary head sinus/ stem of middle dural plexus (red), and the internal ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Aging Is Positively Associated with Peri-Sinus Lymphatic Space ...
    Oct 19, 2020 · We found that the peri-sinus dural lymphatic space volume was higher in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group.
  30. [30]
    Mechanical and structural characterisation of the dural venous sinuses
    Dec 10, 2020 · The increased shear stress associated with the increased volume of flow in the posterior sections of the SSS, and the resulting variation in ...
  31. [31]
    Neuroanatomy, Superior Sagittal Sinus - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    Jan 23, 2023 · As the superior sagittal sinus continues, it courses towards the confluence of sinuses at the posterior cranium. The superior sagittal sinus ...
  32. [32]
    Bilateral Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage in a Patient with Confirmed ...
    Because the venous drainage of the bilateral basal ganglia is into the great cerebral vein, bilateral basal ganglia hemorrhage could theoretically be ...
  33. [33]
    Intracranial Venous Hypertension and Venous Sinus Stenting in the ...
    May 31, 2021 · As intracranial venous pressures are usually 4 or 5 mmHg higher than CVP in a normal situation, this means that even the most obese patients ...
  34. [34]
    Blood flow distribution in cerebral arteries - PMC - PubMed Central
    Jan 7, 2015 · Although total cerebral blood flow (tCBF) has been reported to be 616 to 781 mL/min in healthy subjects,1, 2 very few have investigated BFR in ...
  35. [35]
    2D Time-of-Flight MR Venography in Neonates: Anatomy and Pitfalls
    We have found that dominance of the right transverse sinus occurred in 32 (63%) of 51, dominance of the left transverse sinus in 5 (10%) of 51, and codominant ...
  36. [36]
    Regulation of the cerebral circulation: bedside assessment and ...
    May 5, 2016 · Regulation of the cerebral circulation relies on the complex interplay between cardiovascular, respiratory, and neural physiology.The Intracranial Pressure... · The Cerebrovascular... · Traumatic Brain Injury
  37. [37]
    Valsalva maneuver: Its implications in clinical neurosurgery
    A significant decrease in the cerebral perfusion pressure has been demonstrated during the strain phase,[10 ,11] and, even though a modest drop is seen in the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Hypertension Hydrocephalus and Idiopathic Intracranial Pressure ...
    The absorption of CSF is traditionally seen to occur through the arachnoid granulations, requiring a pressure difference of 4 mm. Hg.8 This pressure drop is ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  39. [39]
    A simplified cranial cavity model to understand the relationship ...
    The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows from the subarachnoid space (SAS) to the dural venous sinus (DVS) via arachnoid granulation. ... Starling resistor phenomenon ...
  40. [40]
    Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    May 4, 2025 · The superior sagittal sinus is most often affected, followed by the transverse sinus. A subacute presentation is common, with headache being ...
  41. [41]
    A Unique Type of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula at Confluence of ... - NIH
    Feb 28, 2013 · The fistula was located just anterior to the confluence of sinuses and is having feeders from dural and tentorial arteriesand the fistula sac ...
  42. [42]
    Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in traumatic brain injury - NIH
    Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) refers to clot formation in the dural venous sinuses. The obstruction of venous outflow may result in complications in ...
  43. [43]
    MRI- and DWI-Based Radiomics Features for Preoperatively ...
    Feb 13, 2024 · ... sinus, transverse sinus, and sinus confluence, the incidence of approximately 14.6–16.5% [4]. As this type of meningioma invades the sinus ...
  44. [44]
    Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Venography in the ...
    Oct 20, 2009 · Conclusion: 2D-TOF MRV provides high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of recanalized CVST segments.
  45. [45]
    Cerebral MR Venography: Normal Anatomy and Potential ...
    Jan 1, 2000 · CONCLUSIONS: Transverse sinus flow gaps can be observed in as many as 31% of patients with normal MR imaging findings; these gaps should not be ...
  46. [46]
    Accuracy of magnetic resonance venography in diagnosing cerebral ...
    The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.89) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.95), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was ...
  47. [47]
    Comparison of CT venography with MR venography in cerebral ...
    When MR venography was used as the gold standard, CT venography was found to have both a sensitivity and a specificity of 75-100%, depending on the sinus and ...
  48. [48]
    Dural venous sinus thrombosis: The combination of noncontrast CT ...
    The combination of NCCT, T1- and T2-weighted MRI and 3D PC-MRV may allow the diagnosis of acute or subacute DVST and may obviate the need for contrast usage.<|separator|>
  49. [49]
    Normal anatomy and variations in the confluence of sinuses using ...
    We appraised the anatomy of the sinuses adjacent to the confluence, the lateralization of venous draining into the transverse sinuses (TSs), the communications ...
  50. [50]
    Normal anatomy and variations in the confluence of sinuses using ...
    In this study, we evaluated the anatomy of the confluence of sinuses and ascertained the accuracy and usefulness of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in ...
  51. [51]
    Transcranial Doppler ultrasound findings in cerebral venous sinus ...
    Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) findings are described in a patient with acute thrombosis of the sagittal venous sinus.
  52. [52]
    Venous Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Monitoring in Acute Dural ...
    Conclusions Venous transcranial Doppler ultrasonography provides a reliable, noninvasive, and rapid technique for intracranial venous examination. It was ...
  53. [53]
    Surgical nuances in the management of pineal region tumors via the ...
    The occipital transtentorial approach is effective for the removal of tumors in the pineal region. Dynamic retraction with handheld instruments and meticulous ...
  54. [54]
    Suboccipital Craniotomy | Cohen Collection | Volumes
    The most common workhorse approaches to the posterior fossa include the midline suboccipital and the lateral suboccipital (retromastoid) approaches.
  55. [55]
    Occipital transtentorial approach for pineal region lesions
    Oct 6, 2021 · The occipital transtentorial (OT) approach is well-established approach for pineal region tumors and can be of choice for the lesions ...
  56. [56]
    Risk factors influencing cerebral venous infarction after meningioma ...
    Jul 13, 2022 · According to the literature, the incidence of venous injury during intracranial tumor resection is 2.6% to 30%, and the incidence of CVI after ...
  57. [57]
    Venous air embolism induced by burr hole drilling before dural ... - NIH
    Oct 22, 2025 · Venous air embolism (VAE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication in neurosurgery typically caused by injury to dura mater, especially ...
  58. [58]
    Management of meningiomas involving the transverse or sigmoid ...
    Occlusion of this vein may produce severe complications, such as hemorrhagic infarction of the temporal lobe, cerebral edema, neurological dysfunction, seizures ...
  59. [59]
    Advanced Surgical Techniques for Dural Venous Sinus Repair
    Feb 6, 2024 · This study presents a literature review on the surgical techniques for DVS repair after DVS injury during common neurosurgical approaches.Missing: preservation confluence avoidance endovascular thrombosis
  60. [60]
    Endovascular treatment for cerebral venous thrombosis: current ...
    So far, endovascular treatment (EVT) has not been shown to be beneficial in CVT, partially because venous EVT tools are not yet fully optimized.
  61. [61]
    Successful Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis ...
    Dec 28, 2020 · A large-bore aspiration catheter was used as a standalone system for the endovascular procedure. The venous sinuses were successfully re- ...
  62. [62]
    Analysis of the common complications and recurrence ... - Frontiers
    The superior parasagittal sinus is one of the frequent locations of intracranial meningiomas, accounting for approximately 20%–30% of the total number (1, 2).<|separator|>
  63. [63]
    Meningiomas Invading the Superior Sagittal Sinus - ResearchGate
    Aug 7, 2025 · Cerebral BV damage during neurosurgical procedures could result in various neurological complications, including postoperative brain edema and ...
  64. [64]
    Torcular Herophili: A Review of the History of the Term and Synonyms
    The eponymous term torcular Herophili has been used for the confluence of sinuses. Although no original writings of Herophilus are extant, his accomplishments ...
  65. [65]
    Nerve-vessel relations in the region of the jugular foramen
    In this paper the results of our investigations on the nerve-vessel relations in the region of jugular foramen are briefly presented. For the purpose of ...
  66. [66]
    Egas Moniz: 90 Years (1927–2017) from Cerebral Angiography - NIH
    Sep 19, 2017 · On June 28th 1927 Moniz was finally able to achieve the visualization of a pituitary tumor in a young man (Moniz, 1927a; Figure 2C). On July ...
  67. [67]
    The Neuroanatomy of Herophilus - Karger Publishers
    Feb 23, 2013 · The confluence of venous sinuses - torcular Herophili, is named after him: ... It was later suggested by Rufus of Ephesus (c. 98-117 A.D.) in De ...
  68. [68]
    Landmarks in the History of Neurosurgery | Clinical Gate
    Mar 12, 2015 · From him comes the description of confluens sinuum or torcular Herophili. ... Rufus of Ephesus (fl. AD 100) lived during the reign of ...
  69. [69]
    Torcular Herophili: A Review of the History of the Term and Synonyms
    Aug 6, 2025 · ... confluence of sinuses. Although no original writings of Herophilus ... Herophilus' Press, Torcular and Confluens Sinuum: A Triple Mistake.Missing: nomenclature | Show results with:nomenclature