Cavernous Sinus

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The human brain is a highly vascular organ responsible for coordinating a myriad of processes throughout the body. Therefore, it is important that a pathway exists to return blood that enters the cranium to systemic circulation. The cavernous sinuses are one of several drainage pathways for the brain that sits in the middle. In addition to receiving venous drainage from the brain, it also receives tributaries from parts of the face.

The left and right cavernous sinuses communicate by through the anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses. The cavernous sinus drains to the superior and inferior petrosal sinuses, which then join the sigmoid sinus.