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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Transverse sinus
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AnatomyNeuroanatomyMeninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Transverse sinus

Transverse sinus

Author: Jana Vasković, MD • Reviewer: Roberto Grujičić, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Transverse sinus [02:42]
Anatomy and function of the transverse sinus.
Transverse sinus (Sinus transversus)

The transverse sinus (lateral sinus) is a paired venous vessel that runs through the tentorium cerebelli. Both sinuses begin at the internal occipital protuberance of occipital bone, while they terminate by giving off the ipsilateral sigmoid sinus.

The function of the transverse sinus is to collect the blood from the veins of the cerebellum and inferior surface of the brain. Delivering this blood to the sigmoid sinus, the transverse sinus belongs to the system of the internal jugular vein.

This article will describe the anatomy and function of the transverse sinus.

Key facts about the transverse sinus
Drains from Left transverse sinus: Straight sinus
Right transverse sinus: Superior sagittal sinus
Drains to Sigmoid sinus
Drainage area Base of telencephalon, cerebellum
Contents
  1. Origin, course and function
  2. Dural venous sinuses occlusion
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Origin, course and function

Transverse sinus
Sinus transversus
1/4
Synonyms: none

Each transverse sinus originates at the level of the internal occipital protuberance. Most commonly, the right transverse sinus arises from the superior sagittal sinus and it is usually larger than the left one. The left transverse sinus is usually continuous with the straight sinus.

Each sinus courses anterolaterally between the two layers of tentorium cerebelli. While located in the tentorium, they pass over the squamous part of occipital bone through a shallow groove for the transverse sinus. They then continue their course over the mastoid angle of the parietal bone and the posterolateral part of the petrous part of temporal bone. Here, the sinuses take a turn inferiorly and leave the tentorium cerebelli. The transverse sinus then receives the superior petrosal sinus and continues towards the jugular fossa as the sigmoid sinus.

The transverse sinus receives the following tributaries from the cerebellum and base of the brain:

To learn more about the sinuses of the brain, check out our study unit:

Dural venous sinuses Explore study unit

Dural venous sinuses occlusion

Occlusion of the dural venous sinuses may result from:

  • thrombi (clots)
  • thrombophlebitis (venous inflammation)
  • tumors (e.g., meningiomas) 

The dural sinuses most frequently thrombosed are the:

  • transverse sinuses
  • cavernous
  • superior sagittal sinuses

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:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Grand, W., Hopkins, L.N. (1999). Vasculature of the brain and cranial base, variations in clinical anatomy. George Thieme Verlag. ISBN:0865777845
  • 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). Bergmans comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrators:

  • Transverse sinus (cranial view) - Paul Kim

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