What is the function of the cavernous sinus?

Cavernous sinuses drain the blood from the orbits through the ophthalmic veins and from the anterior part of the base of the brain by the sphenoparietal sinus and the middle cerebral veins. They empty into both the superior and inferior petrosal sinuses and ultimately into the internal jugular veins.

What travels through cavernous sinus?

The nerves of the cavernous sinus are the oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), ophthalmic nerve (V1), maxillary nerve (V2), abducens nerve (CN VI), and the sympathetic plexus around the internal carotid artery.

Which is true about cavernous sinus?

The cavernous sinus is a paired dural venous sinus located within the cranial cavity. It is divided by septa into small ‘caves’ – from which it gets its name. Each cavernous sinus has a close anatomical relationship with several key structures in the head, and is arguably the most clinically important venous sinus.

What anatomical structures facilitate the spread of the infection to the cavernous sinus?

What anatomical structures facilitate the spread of the infection to the cavernous sinus? Since veins are valveless, they allow bi-directional flow.

Which nerve is not related to cavernous sinus?

the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve is not associated with the cavernous sinus since it has descended vertically through the foramen ovale underneath the trigeminal ganglion (Gasser ganglion), which is anatomically posteriorly to the cavernous sinus.

How large is the cavernous sinus?

Structure. The cavernous sinus is one of the dural venous sinuses of the head. It is a network of veins that sit in a cavity, approximately 1 x 2 cm in size in an adult.

What causes cavernous sinus syndrome?

A CSS is caused by any pathology or lesion present within the cavernous sinus that disrupts the function of other anatomical structures. The most common cause of CSS is mass effect from tumor. Other common causes of CSS include trauma and self-limited inflammatory disease.

Where are the cavernous sinus?

The cavernous sinus is located on either side of the pituitary fossa and body of the sphenoid bone between the endosteal and meningeal layers of the dura. It spans from the apex of the orbit to the apex of the petrous temporal bone.

Which vein spread infection to cavernous sinus?

The highly anastomotic venous system of the paranasal sinuses allows retrograde spread of infection to the cavernous sinus via the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins.

How did the infection get into the cavernous sinus?

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is usually caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from another area of the face or skull. Many cases are the result of an infection of staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, which can cause: sinusitis – an infection of the small cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead.

Does the facial nerve pass through the cavernous sinus?

Contents. Apart from the blood which passes through a venous sinus, several anatomical structures, including some cranial nerves and their branches, also pass through the sinus. Trochlear nerve. Ophthalmic and maxillary branches of the trigeminal nerve.

How does infection spread to cavernous sinus?

This complex web of veins contains no valves; blood can flow in any direction depending on the prevailing pressure gradients. Since the cavernous sinuses receive blood via this distribution, infections of the face including the nose, tonsils, and orbits can spread easily by this route.