Venous Anatomy of the Superior and Inferior Sagittal Sinuses

Abstract

The superior sagittal sinus(SSS)is contained within the dura, which consists of the dura propria and osteal dura at the junction of the falx cerebri, in addition to the attachment of the falx to the cranial vault. The SSS extends anteriorly from the foramen cecum and posteriorly to the torcular Herophili. The superior cerebral veins flow into the SSS, coursing under the lateral venous lacunae via bridging veins. Most of the bridging veins reach the dura and empty directly into the SSS. However, some are attached to the dural or existed in it for some distance before their sinus entrance. The venous structures of the junctional zone between the bridging vein and the SSS existed in the dura are referred to as dural venous channels. The SSS communicates with the lateral venous lacunae connecting the meningeal and diploic veins, as well as the emissary veins. These anatomical variations of the SSS are defined by the embryological processes of fusion and withdrawal of the sagittal plexus and marginal sinus.