Veins Head

R Inferior Sagittal Sinus

The inferior sagittal sinus (also known as inferior longitudinal sinus), within the human head, is an area beneath the brain which allows blood to drain outwards posteriorly from the center of the head. It drains (from the center of the brain) to the straight sinus (at the back of the head), which connects to the transverse sinuses. The inferior sagittal sinus courses along the inferior border of the falx cerebri, superior to the corpus callosum. It receives blood from the deep and medial aspects of the cerebral hemispheres and drains into the straight sinus.

R Posterior Mesencephalic Vein

This important and relatively constant longitudinal venous conduit connects the basal vein (or posterior mesencephalic vein) at the upper aspect of the midbrain to the petrosal vein at the level of the lower pons. Thus, it serves as a conduit between the superior group of veins which usually drain into the Galen to the anterior group which drains into the Petrosal Vein and frequently via bridging veins into the cavernous sinus. The internal cerebral veins and the basal vein of Rosenthal merge to form the great cerebral vein of Galen. Cerebellar veins drain predominantly into the transverse and superior petrosal sinuses and into the vein of Galen but may also empty into the internal cerebral veins, or into the transverse, superior petrosal, or occipital sinuses. The posteromedial portion of the base of the brain is drained by the basal vein, which receives veins that run parallel to the ventral segment of the middle cerebral artery (middle cerebral vein) and to the initial segment of the anterior cerebral artery (anterior cerebral vein). It also receives veins from the anterior hypothalamic area. The basal vein drains caudally into the dorsal portion of the cavernous sinus, at the point of origin of the inferior and superior petrosal sinuses. Source

R Straight Sinus

The straight sinus, also known as tentorial sinus or the sinus rectus, is an area within the skull beneath the brain that receives venous blood. The straight sinus receives blood from the superior cerebellar veins and inferior sagittal sinus and drains into the confluence of sinuses. It forms from the confluence of the inferior sagittal sinus and great cerebral vein. The straight sinus is an unpaired area beneath the brain which allows blood to drain from the inferior center of the head outwards posteriorly. It receives blood from the inferior sagittal sinus, great cerebral vein, posterior cerebral veins, superior cerebellar veins and veins from the falx cerebri.

L Basal Vein

The basal vein passes backward around the cerebral peduncle, and ends in the internal cerebral vein, it receives tributaries from the interpeduncular fossa, the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle, the hippocampal gyrus, and the mid-brain.

R Lateral Mesencephalic Vein

Lateral Mesencephalic Vein is absent, and it drains primarily towards the basal vein. The upper part of the vein is the “Lateral Mesencephalic Vein” proper, as it is located on the lateral surface of the mesencephalon. The lateral mesencephalic vein (LMV) represents an important connection between the infratentorial and supratentorial compartments. It joins the basal vein of Rosenthal and the petrosal system. Sou rce

L Superior Cerebellar Vein

Cerebellar veins are veins which drain the cerebellum. They consist of the superior cerebellar veins and the inferior cerebellar veins. The superior cerebellar veins pass partly forward and medialward, across the superior vermis, to end in the straight sinus and the internal cerebral veins, partly lateralward to the transverse and superior petrosal sinuses. The inferior cerebellar veins are of large size and end in the transverse, superior petrosal, and occipital sinuses.

R Retrotonsillar Vein

Vein of cerebellomedullary cistern. anastomotic vein connecting the superior vermian vein with the posterior spinal vein, coursing through the cerebellomedullary cistern. Source

R Vermian Vein

The cerebellar vermis (Latin for worm) is located in the medial, cortico-nuclear zone of the cerebellum, which resides in the posterior fossa of the cranium. The primary fissure in the vermis curves ventrolaterally to the superior surface of the cerebellum, dividing it into anterior and posterior lobes. Functionally, the vermis is associated with bodily posture and locomotion. The vermis is included within the spinocerebellum and receives somatic sensory input from the head and proximal body parts via ascending spinal pathways. The vermis is the unpaired, median portion of the cerebellum that connects the two hemispheres. Both the vermis and the hemispheres are composed of lobules formed by groups of folia. There are nine lobules of the vermis: lingula, central lobule, culmen, clivus, folium of the vermis, tuber, pyramid, uvula and nodule. These lobules are often difficult to observe during human anatomy classes and may vary in size, shape and number of folia. It has been shown that folia of the cerebellum exhibit frequent variations in form, number and arrangement between individuals.

R Lateral Brachial Vein

The brachial veins are venae comitantes of the brachial artery in the arm proper. Because they are deep to muscle, they are considered deep veins. Their course is that of the brachial artery (in reverse): they begin where radial veins and ulnar veins join (corresponding to the bifurcation of the brachial artery). They end at the inferior border of the teres major muscle. At this point, the brachial veins join the basilic vein to form the axillary vein. The brachial veins also have small tributaries that drain the muscles of the upper arm, such as biceps brachii muscle and triceps brachii muscle.

R Posterior Spinal Vein

Posterior spinal veins are small veins which receive blood from the dorsal spinal cord. The spinal veins (veins of the medulla spinalis or veins of the spinal cord) are situated in the pia mater and form a minute, tortuous, venous plexus.

R Occipital Vein

The occipital emissary vein is also known as the occipital vein. This small vein passes through the condylar canal, an opening in the occipital bone, near the base of the skull. This vein drains the occipital region, located at the back of the brain. The occipital vein supplies the internal jugular vein. It may also supply the suboccipital vein. Occipital veins include superficial veins, those that are close to the surface of the body. These veins drain into the occipital cortex at the back of the head, then empty into the transverse sinus and superior sagittal sinus, which are cavities in the brain that help with the drainage of deoxygenated blood. The occipital vein follows the path of the occipital artery in reverse. It opens into the suboccipital venous plexus — a network of veins located in the neck, just below the occipital bone — after it reaches the underside of the trapezius muscle — a large muscle that extends from the occipital bone to the mid-back and shoulder. The trapezius is one of the muscles that stabilizes and moves the arm, neck, and shoulder. The occipital vein’s main location is the scalp. Aneurysms (weak, bulging vessels) or bleeds of the occipital vein will likely occur more slowly than they would in arteries. Veins, such as the occipital vein, may become blocked and cause trouble with the lungs, heart, or brain. Source

R Posterior Auricular Vein

The posterior auricular vein begins upon the side of the head, in a plexus which communicates with the tributaries of the occipital vein and superficial temporal veins. It descends behind the auricula, and joins the posterior division of the posterior facial vein to form the external jugular vein. It receives the stylomastoid vein, and some tributaries from the cranial surface of the auricula.

R Retromandibular Vein

The retromandibular vein (temporomaxillary vein, posterior facial vein), formed by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins, descends in the substance of the parotid gland, superficial to the external carotid artery but beneath the facial nerve, between the ramus of the mandible and the sternocleidomastoideus muscle. It divides into two branches: an anterior, which passes forward and joins anterior facial vein, to form the common facial vein, which then drains into the internal jugular vein. A posterior, which is joined by the posterior auricular vein and becomes the external jugular vein. Parrot’s sign is a sensation of pain when pressure is applied to the retromandibular region.

R Transverse Sinus

The transverse sinuses (left and right lateral sinuses), within the human head, are two areas beneath the brain which allow blood to drain from the back of the head. They run laterally in a groove along the interior surface of the occipital bone. They drain from the confluence of sinuses (by the internal occipital protuberance) to the sigmoid sinuses, which ultimately connect to the internal jugular vein. Each transverse sinus passes lateralward and forward, describing a slight curve with its convexity upward, to the base of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, and lies, in this part of its course, in the attached margin of the tentorium cerebelli, it then leaves the tentorium and curves downward and medialward (an area sometimes referred to as the sigmoid sinus) to reach the jugular foramen, where it ends in the internal jugular vein. They receive the blood from the superior petrosal sinuses at the base of the petrous portion of the temporal bone; they communicate with the veins of the pericranium by means of the mastoid and condyloid emissary veins, and they receive some of the inferior cerebral and inferior cerebellar veins, and some veins from the diploë.

R External Jugular Vein

The external jugular vein receives the greater part of the blood from the exterior of the cranium and the deep parts of the face, being formed by the junction of the posterior division of the retromandibular vein with the posterior auricular vein. This vein receives the occipital occasionally, the posterior external jugular, and, near its termination, the transverse cervical, transverse scapular, and anterior jugular veins; in the substance of the parotid, a large branch of communication from the internal jugular joins it. The external jugular vein drains into the subclavian vein lateral to the junction of the subclavian vein and the internal jugular vein.

R Internal Jugular Vein

The internal jugular vein is a paired jugular vein that collects blood from the brain and the superficial parts of the face and neck. The vein runs in the carotid sheath with the common carotid artery and vagus nerve. the right internal jugular vein is a little distance from the common carotid artery, and crosses the first part of the subclavian artery.

R Maxillary Vein

The maxillary veins consist of the main maxillary blood vessel and its extensions. This group of veins is located in the head. It is accompanied by the maxillary artery that runs alongside the vein. They are identified as one of the major groups of deep veins in the head. The maxillary veins are created by the merging of superficial veins in the head known as the pterygoid plexus. The veins travel to the back of head and border the sphenomandibular ligament, a ligament that connects the lower jawbone, or mandible, to the temporal bone. The path continues past the top portion of the mandible. The maxillary veins meet another vein in the side of the head called the superficial temporal vein. Their convergence creates the beginning of the retromandibular vein. Each of the maxillary veins directs blood flow to the internal and external jugular veins. Together, they deliver blood from the head to the heart. In some individuals, the maxillary veins and superficial temporal vein join together without creating the retromandibular vein at the site of convergence. A venous junction is formed in lieu of where the vein would be. Source

R Deep Temporal Vein

The temporal veins are several veins found in the head that drain into the temporal region, located on each side of the head. Veins are designated as either superficial or deep. Superficial veins are close to the surface of the skin. The deep temporal veins are located deep within the body, away from the skin. Deep temporal veins drain into the region known as the pterygoid plexus. The pterygoid plexus is located between the lateral pterygoid muscle, which is the upper part of the cheek and the temporalis muscle, near the temple. Veins in the body function to carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Once blood reaches the temporal veins, it is then carried to the heart for oxygenation. The deep temporal veins pick up blood from the parotid veins, anterior auricular veins, transverse facial vein, and articular veins. Several of these veins, including the transverse facial veins, are located in the face. Source

R Alveolar Vein

The alveolar veins include the inferior alveolar vein and the posterior alveolar vein. Both of these veins are also considered dental veins. The inferior alveolar vein drains blood from the lower teeth and jaw, and the posterior alveolar artery assists it in completing this function. The inferior alveolar vein can also drain blood to the pterygoid plexus, a network of veins located near the cheek. The posterior alveolar vein, on the other hand, works to drain blood from the molars and gums. The alveolar veins are located in the mandibular canal. This canal is a horizontal chamber located inside of the ramus, which is the back portion of the lower jaw. The inferior and posterior alveolar veins are arranged in a network of veins, allowing them to empty blood out into a series of veins and muscles, including the pterygoid muscles, which serve as tributaries (drainages) for the facial vein. Source

R Facial Vein

The facial vein (or anterior facial vein) is a relatively large vein in the human face. It commences at the side of the root of the nose and is a direct continuation of the angular vein where it also receives a small nasal branch. It lies behind the facial artery and follows a less tortuous course. It receives blood from the external palatine vein before it either joins the anterior branch of the retromandibular vein to form the common facial vein, or drains directly into the internal jugular vein. A common misconception states that the facial vein has no valves, but this has been contradicted by recent studies.

R Superior Laryngeal Vein

The superior laryngeal vein is a vein which drains the larynx into the superior thyroid vein.

L Superficial Temporal Vein

The superficial temporal vein is a vein of the side of the head. The superficial temporal vein arises in a plexus on the side and vertex of the skull and, in the substance of the parotid gland, joins with the maxillary vein to form the retromandibular vein. Source

L Meningeal Vein

The middle meningeal vein parallels the path of the middle meningeal artery. he vein emerges from the maxillary vein via the pterygoid plexus, a collection of veins near the cheek. The maxillary vein joins with the superficial temporal vein to become the retromandibular vein. The retromandibular joins with the posterior auricular vein to create the external jugular vein. That vein drains into the subclavian vein. Most epidural hematomas, a condition where blood that accumulates between the skull and the dura mater (protective tissue surrounding the brain), are usually caused by skull fractures that cross either the middle meningeal artery or the middle meningeal vein. Sixty percent of the time, these result from the artery being torn. Venous epidural hematomas are mostly a problem in children. These are less likely to be a result of head fractures. Source

R Cerebral Veins

The cerebral veins drain the brain parenchyma and are located in the subarachnoid space. They pierce the meninges and drain further into the cranial venous sinuses. The cerebral veins lack muscular tissue and valves. The cerebral venous system can be divided into: superficial (cortical) cerebral veins and deep (subependymal) cerebral veins. Source

R Intercavernous Sinus

The intercavernous sinuses are two in number, an anterior and a posterior, and connect the two cavernous sinuses across the middle line. The anterior passes in front of the hypophysis cerebri, the posterior behind it, and they form with the cavernous sinuses a venous circle (circular sinus) around the hypophysis. The anterior one is usually the larger of the two, and one or other is occasionally absent. The intercavernous sinus (anterior and posterior) are dural venous sinuses and connect the left and right cavernous sinuses, along with the basilar venous plexus. They lie in the anterior and posterior borders of the diaphragma sellae. Additional small venous sinuses in the base of the pituitary fossa drain into the intercavernous sinuses, and are a cause of bleeding during transphenoidal hypophysectomy. Source

R Anterior Spinal Vein

Anterior spinal veins (also known as anterior coronal veins and anterior median spinal veins) are veins that receive blood from the anterior spinal cord. The anterior spinal cord, which makes up 2/3 of the entire spinal cord, gets its blood supply from the anterior spinal artery. This artery in turn receives its blood from the different radiculospinal branches, which are formed from the aorta and vertebral arteries. As the largest of the radiculospinal artery branches, the Artery of Adamkiewicz provides a large amount of blood to the anterior spinal artery, thereby also supplying a good amount to the anterior spinal cord.

R Anterior Pontomesencephalic

This is a vein in the midline of the interpeduncular fossa on the superior and anterior aspect of the pons, it communicates with the basal vein superiorly and the petrosal vein inferiorly. The anterior pontomesencephalic vein (E), made up of the anterior mesencephalic and anterior pontine veins, makes up a portion of the longitudinal venous system running on the anterior surface of the brainstem, extending from the mesencephalon to the cervical spinal cord. Source

L Eye Veins

The ophthalmic veins (vortex veins) and a central retinal vein drain blood from the eye. These blood vessels enter and leave through the back of the eye. Source

L Superior Thyroid Vein

The superior thyroid vein begins in the substance and on the surface of the thyroid gland, by tributaries corresponding with the branches of the superior thyroid artery, and ends in the upper part of the internal jugular vein. It receives the superior laryngeal and cricothyroid veins.

R Superficial Temporal Vein

R Meningeal Vein

R Superior Sagittal Sinus

The superior sagittal sinus (also known as the superior longitudinal sinus), within the human head, is an unpaired area along the attached margin of the falx cerebri. It allows blood to drain from the lateral aspects of anterior cerebral hemispheres to the confluence of sinuses. Cerebrospinal fluid drains through arachnoid granulations into the superior sagittal sinus and is returned to venous circulation. Cerebrospinal fluid drains through arachnoid granulations into the superior sagittal sinus and is returned to venous circulation.

R Angular Vein

The angular vein is the upper most segment of the facial vein, above its junction with the superior labial vein. It is formed by the junction of the supratrochlear vein and supraorbital vein, runs obliquely downward by the side of the nose, passes under zygomaticus major and joins with the superior labial vein. The angular vein is linked with the cavernous sinus by the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins which are devoid of valves. It receives the lateral nasal veins from the ala of the nose, and the inferior palpebral vein. Any infection of the mouth or face can spread via the angular veins to the cavernous sinuses resulting in thrombosis. Since the veins draining this area are valveless and directly join the cavernous sinus, there is a potential risk of spreading infection to the cavernous sinus via these facial veins. This area of the nose is termed the danger triangle. Squeezing the pus from this area should be avoided.

R Cavernous Sinus

The cavernous sinus within the human head, is a true dural venous sinus (not a venous plexus) creating a cavity called the lateral sellar compartment bordered by the temporal bone of the skull and the sphenoid bone, lateral to the sella turcica. The cavernous sinus receives blood via the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins through the superior orbital fissure and from superficial cortical veins, and is connected to the basilar plexus of veins posteriorly.

L Ophthalmic Vein

Ophthalmic veins are veins which drain the eye.

L Angular Vein

R Eye Veins

These ophthalmic veins (vortex veins) and a central retinal vein drain blood from the eye. These blood vessels enter and leave through the back of the eye. Source

R Ophthalmic Vein

Ophthalmic veins are veins which drain the eye.

R Superior Thyroid Vein

L Superior Laryngeal Vein

The superior laryngeal vein is a vein which drains the larynx into the superior thyroid vein.

R Basal Vein

The basal veins, also known as the veins of Rosenthal, are paired, paramedian veins which originate on the medial surface of the temporal lobe and run posteriorly and medially. It passes lateral to the midbrain through the ambient cistern to drain into the vein of Galen with the internal cerebral veins. It is closely related to the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). The basal vein passes backward around the cerebral peduncle, and ends in the internal cerebral vein; it receives tributaries from the interpeduncular fossa, the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle, the hippocampal gyrus, and the mid-brain. Source

R Superior Cerebellar Vein

L Vermian Vein

L Posterior Mesencephalic Vein

L Lateral Mesencephalic Vein

L Retrotonsillar Vein

The vein of cerebellomedullary cistern. anastomotic vein connecting the superior vermian vein with the posterior spinal vein, coursing through the cerebellomedullary cistern. Source

L Lateral Brachial Vein

L Anterior Pontomesencephali

A vein in the midline of the interpeduncular fossa on the superior and anterior aspect of the pons, it communicates with the basal vein superiorly and the petrosal vein inferiorly. The anterior pontomesencephalic vein (E), made up of the anterior mesencephalic and anterior pontine veins, makes up a portion of the longitudinal venous system running on the anterior surface of the brainstem, extending from the mesencephalon to the cervical spinal cord. Source

R Superior Petrosal Sinus

The superior petrosal sinus is a venous structure located beneath the brain. It receives blood from the cavernous sinus and passes backward and laterally to drain into the transverse sinus.The sinus runs in the attached margin of the tentorium cerebelli, in a groove in the petrous part of the temporal bone formed by the sinus itself – the superior petrosal sulcus. The sinus receives some cerebellar and inferior cerebral veins, and veins from the tympanic cavity.

L Occipital Vein

L Posterior Auricular Vein

The posterior auricular vein begins upon the side of the head, in a plexus which communicates with the tributaries of the occipital vein and superficial temporal veins. It descends behind the auricula, and joins the posterior division of the posterior facial vein to form the external jugular vein. It receive the stylomastoid vein, and some tributaries from the cranial surface of the auricula.

L Retromandibular Vein

Maxillary Vein

R Sigmoid Sinus

The sigmoid sinus is a dural venous sinus that lies deep within the human head, and just below the brain. A dural sinus is a channel that lies between the dura mater, the outermost tissue covering the brain. The sigmoid sinus is actually a pair of two sinuses (right and left) that enable veins to spread from the middle of the head downwards. This dual structure is considered an extension of the transverse sinus, which lies in the hind portion of the brain. The sigmoid sinus starts just below the temporal bone on the sides of the head and follows a complex course to the jugular foramen, a hole in the bone at the base of the skull. At this point in its course the sinus meets with the internal jugular vein. As the tentorium (the dura mater that separates the cerebellum, located at the back of the head, from the rest of the brain) reaches its end, the sigmoid connects with the petrosal sinus, which is above it in terms of structure. The sigmoid sinus moves in a downward manner through an S-shaped groove. This groove lies behind the middle of the mastoid, an area of bone behind the ear. It is connected through the mastoid and the condylar messenger veins with the pericranial nerves. Source

L Externa Jugular Vein

The jugular veins are part of the circulatory drainage system for the head, carrying blood to the lungs for resupply with fresh oxygen. The internal jugular vein drains most of the cerebral veins and outer portions of the face, while the external jugular vein drains most of the outer structures of the head, including the scalp and deep portions of the face. The beginning of the external jugular vein forms where the retro-mandibular and posterior auricular veins from the head converge, within the parotid gland on either side of the mandible (lower jaw). It follows the back edge of the masseter muscle of the jaw, and crosses the sternomastoid muscles, which run down either side of the neck. The external jugular connects at the base of the throat with the internal jugular, through which the blood continues onward to the heart. A third, smaller jugular, known as the anterior jugular, comes from the front to join the external jugular before it connects to the internal jugular. The external jugular vein occasionally can be as large as double the size of other veins in the neck. Source

R Artery of Ductus Deferens

The vas deferens is supplied by an accompanying artery (artery of vas deferens). This artery normally arises from the superior (sometimes inferior) vesical artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery.

L Alveolar Vein

L Facia Vein

R Anterior Jugular Vein

The anterior jugular vein is a vein in the neck. It begins near the hyoid bone by the confluence of several superficial veins from the submaxillary region. It descends between the median line and the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle, and, at the lower part of the neck, passes beneath that muscle to open into the termination of the external jugular vein, or, in some instances, into the subclavian vein.