Vessel
Transverse sinus
Lateral dural drainage along the tentorial attachment
High-yield
A transverse sinus continues into a sigmoid sinus. Labbé's vein commonly brings lateral temporal drainage into this region, while superior petrosal inflow joins near the lateral transition.
Overview
The transverse sinuses extend from the posterior sinus junction along the tentorium's attached posterolateral margins. They receive cerebral and cerebellar venous channels before turning into sigmoid sinuses. Their caliber and dominance vary markedly, so the two sides are often unequal in both appearance and the drainage they carry.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Posterior confluence region, with variable continuity from superior sagittal and straight sinus channels.
- Course
- Runs laterally and forward in the posterolateral tentorial attachment, along occipital and adjoining skull grooves, toward the sigmoid transition.
- Branches
- Inferior cerebral veins including a variable Labbé connection, cerebellar and other local veins, with superior petrosal inflow near the transverse–sigmoid junction.
- Drains to
- The ipsilateral sigmoid sinus and then the jugular outflow pathway.
Clinical correlation
Transverse-sinus obstruction can impair temporal and other venous territories, sometimes causing seizures, focal deficits or hemorrhagic infarction. Language impairment is possible when dominant-hemisphere networks are involved. The pattern depends on collateral drainage and individual venous anatomy.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the transverse sinus originate?
Posterior confluence region, with variable continuity from superior sagittal and straight sinus channels.
Where does blood from the transverse sinus go?
The ipsilateral sigmoid sinus and then the jugular outflow pathway.
What are the tributaries of the transverse sinus?
Inferior cerebral veins including a variable Labbé connection, cerebellar and other local veins, with superior petrosal inflow near the transverse–sigmoid junction.
What is the course of the transverse sinus?
Runs laterally and forward in the posterolateral tentorial attachment, along occipital and adjoining skull grooves, toward the sigmoid transition.