The veins of the posterior fossa--superior or galenic draining group.

Abstract

1. The posterior fossa venous system can be divided into three groups: (a) a superior group draining into the galenic system; (b) an anterior group draining into the petrosal sinuses; and (c) a posterior group draining into the torcular and neighboring dural sinuses.2. The first group of the veins of the posterior fossa is the subject of this paper.[See figure in the PDF file]This group includes the posterior mesencephalic vein, the lateral mesencephalic vein, the precentral cerebellar vein and its variants, and the superior vermian vein. The anterior ponto-mesencephalic vein which may belong to this group is briefly described.3. Particular attention is given to the relationship of these vessels with the structures of the posterior fossa, i.e., brain stem and cerebellum.4. The appearance of these vessels normally and in several patients with expanding lesions is illustrated.