Vessel
Superior sagittal sinus
A major midline venous channel in the attached falx
High-yield
Locate it in the attached upper falx, not the free lower border. Posterior flow often favors the right transverse sinus, but anterior development and posterior drainage patterns vary.
Overview
The superior sagittal sinus follows the falx's upper attachment beneath the cranial vault. It collects cortical and skull-related venous inflow on its way toward the posterior sinus junction. Arachnoid granulations associated with the sinus and its lacunae participate in CSF outflow, alongside other recognized drainage pathways.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually begins near the frontal crest/crista-galli region behind foramen cecum. The anterior segment can be small or absent, with compensating venous channels.
- Course
- Passes posteriorly along the superior falx attachment, generally increasing in caliber. Its position may deviate from the overlying sagittal suture.
- Branches
- Superior cerebral, meningeal, diploic and emissary venous inputs. Arachnoid granulations are CSF-related structures, not venous branches.
- Drains to
- Posterior confluence and transverse pathways, commonly with greater flow toward the right transverse sinus.
Clinical correlation
Thrombosis can impair cortical venous drainage and disturb CSF pressure regulation. Headache, seizures, focal deficits or raised intracranial pressure may occur; venous edema, hemorrhage and infarction need not match an arterial territory.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the superior sagittal sinus originate?
Usually begins near the frontal crest/crista-galli region behind foramen cecum. The anterior segment can be small or absent, with compensating venous channels.
Where does the superior sagittal sinus drain to?
Posterior confluence and transverse pathways, commonly with greater flow toward the right transverse sinus.
What are the tributaries of the superior sagittal sinus?
Superior cerebral, meningeal, diploic and emissary venous inputs. Arachnoid granulations are CSF-related structures, not venous branches.
What is the course of the superior sagittal sinus?
Passes posteriorly along the superior falx attachment, generally increasing in caliber. Its position may deviate from the overlying sagittal suture.