Vessel
Superior cerebral (bridging) veins
Cortical drainage crossing into the superior sagittal system
High-yield
The vein of Trolard is an important, variably developed connection between superficial middle cerebral drainage and the superior sagittal system. Bridging-vein injury is one cause of subdural bleeding.
Overview
Veins from upper lateral and medial cerebral surfaces converge toward the superior sagittal sinus and its lacunae. They travel over the brain in subarachnoid tissue before passing through the meningeal interface into dural channels. Their terminal portions are termed bridging veins. Their number, entry angle and attachment to the dura vary.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Venous networks draining superolateral and medial cortical territories, with variable contributions from adjacent tissue.
- Course
- Run toward the superior sagittal system and cross the arachnoid–dural interface. Some enter directly; others follow a longer attached dural course or reach a lateral lacuna.
- Branches
- Contributing cortical veins and variable anastomotic channels, including Trolard's connection with superficial middle cerebral drainage.
- Drains to
- Superior sagittal sinus directly or through associated lateral venous lacunae.
Clinical correlation
Relative movement between brain and dura can damage bridging veins. Cerebral atrophy is associated with increased susceptibility to subdural hematoma. Blood forms a collection by separating fragile dural-border tissue; there is no normal open subdural cavity, and not every subdural hematoma is purely venous.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the superior cerebral (bridging) veins originate?
Venous networks draining superolateral and medial cortical territories, with variable contributions from adjacent tissue.
Where do the superior cerebral (bridging) veins drain to?
Superior sagittal sinus directly or through associated lateral venous lacunae.
What are the tributaries of the superior cerebral (bridging) veins?
Contributing cortical veins and variable anastomotic channels, including Trolard's connection with superficial middle cerebral drainage.
What is the course of the superior cerebral (bridging) veins?
Run toward the superior sagittal system and cross the arachnoid–dural interface. Some enter directly; others follow a longer attached dural course or reach a lateral lacuna.