Major Veins Draining the Brain: Anatomy and Function

The brain's venous drainage system returns deoxygenated blood to the heart. Key structures include:

Dural Venous Sinuses

These endothelial-lined channels between dural layers collect blood from the brain and empty into the internal jugular veins. Major sinuses include:

• Superior sagittal sinus
• Inferior sagittal sinus
• Straight sinus
• Transverse sinuses
• Sigmoid sinuses
• Cavernous sinuses

Major Veins

• Internal jugular veins: Primary drainage pathway; receive blood from the brain, face, and neck via the sigmoid sinuses. Run alongside the carotid arteries.
• External jugular veins: Drain the scalp and face; superficial, visible in the neck.
• Vertebral veins: Accompany the vertebral arteries through the transverse foramina; drain the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord.

Clinical Significance

Obstruction of venous drainage (e.g., cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) can cause increased intracranial pressure, headache, seizures, and stroke. Understanding this anatomy is crucial for neurosurgery and neuroimaging.