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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Superior sagittal sinus
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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Superior sagittal sinus

Superior sagittal sinus

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Jana Vasković, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 5 minutes

Recommended video: Superior sagittal sinus [03:16]
Definition, location and tributaries of the superior sagittal sinus.
Superior sagittal sinus (Sinus sagittalis superior)

The superior sagittal sinus is one of several endothelial-lined spaces in the brain known collectively as the dural venous sinuses. It lies within the superior convex margin of the falx cerebri which attaches to the internal surface of the calvaria (in the midline).

The superior sagittal sinus drains blood from cortical veins of the cerebral hemispheres, veins of the falx cerebri and meninges, diploic veins of the skull and emissary veins from the scalp. It empties into the confluence of sinuses in the occipital region.

Key facts about the superior sagittal sinus
Tributaries Superior cerebral veins, veins of the falx cerebri, meningeal veins, diploic veins of the skull, emissary veins from the pericranium
Drains to Confluence of sinuses
Drainage area Cerebral hemispheres, falx cerebri, skull, pericranium

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the superior sagittal sinus.

Contents
  1. Origin and course
  2. Tributaries
  3. Anatomical variations
  4. Clinical relations
    1. Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis
  5. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and course

Superior sagittal sinus
Sinus sagittalis superior
1/7
Synonyms: none

The superior sagittal sinus is an unpaired sinus that runs through the groove for superior sagittal sinus. This groove spans across the midline on the internal surface of the calvaria. The superior sagittal sinus begins anteriorly close to the crista galli of the ethmoid bone where it occasionally receives an emissary vein from the nasal cavity through the foramen cecum of the frontal bone. It then courses through the root of the falx cerebri, between the periosteal and meningeal layers of this dural infolding. It terminates posteriorly at the confluence of sinuses, close to the internal occipital protuberance. In cross-section, the superior sagittal sinus appears triangular with its apex pointing inferiorly and continuing downward as the falx cerebri. The sinus is narrow anteriorly and widens as it runs posteriorly.

Tributaries

Lateral lacunae of superior sagittal sinus
Lacunae laterales sinus sagittalis superioris
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Synonyms: Lacunae laterales sinuum

On either side of the superior sagittal sinus are lateral expansions within the dura mater referred to as the lateral venous lacunae. There are typically two or three of them on each side; a small frontal, a large parietal and an intermediate occipital lacunae. The lacunae communicate with the sagittal sinus through small slit-like openings and often become confluent (single large lacuna) in the elderly.

The lateral venous lacunae mostly receive the diploic veins of the skull and meningeal veins. Present within the lacunae are the arachnoid granulations, which are projections of the arachnoid membrane that allow the return of cerebrospinal fluid from the subarachnoid space to the venous circulation.

Typically, along its midsection, the superior sagittal sinus may have luminal band-like projections at varying areas that arise from its dural walls. These projections separate the lumen of the sinus into superior and inferior channels. Along its course, the superior sagittal sinus receives the superior cerebral veins, the largest of which is the superior anastomotic vein (of Trolard). Additionally, emissary veins from the pericranium drain into the posterior end of the sinus through the parietal foramina of the parietal bones.

To learn more about the dural sinuses of the brain, explore our articles, quizzes, video tutorials and labelled diagrams.

Dural venous sinuses Read article

Anatomical variations

The calibre of the superior sagittal sinus is usually between 3.0 to 4.5 mm while its length ranges from 24 to 27 cm. Major anatomical variations of the superior sagittal sinus are rare. The commonest reported variation is hypoplasia of its rostral end which occurs in about 7% of individuals.

Clinical relations

Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis

Thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus results in the obstruction of the sinus and impairment of venous drainage. It often occurs in individuals that are at higher risk of forming clots. The condition may either be acute or chronic. In the acute setting, the condition can lead to a rapid increase in intracranial pressure causing headaches, seizures, altered levels of consciousness and brain herniation which is potentially fatal. In the chronic setting, however, gradual occlusion of the sinus allows for the development of collateral drainage vessels. Consequently, little or no symptoms may be perceived. Treatment typically involves the use of anticoagulants.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Blumenfeld, H. (2018) Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases. 2nd ed., Sinauer.
  • Mancall, Elliott L., et al. (2011) Gray's Clinical Neuroanatomy: the Anatomic Basis for Clinical Neuroscience. Elsevier Saunders.
  • Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. & Gray, H. (2015). Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergman's comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • Superior sagittal sinus (Sinus sagittalis superior) - Paul Kim
  • Arachnoid granulations and superior sagittal sinus (labeled diagram) - Paul Kim

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