[Study of the junction between the cortical bridging veins and basal cranial venous sinus].
BACKGROUND
The cerebral venous system is poorly known and is best appreciated based on macroscopic anatomical considerations. We present an anatomical and immunohistochemical study to better define the morphological characteristics of the junction between the inferior cortical veins and the transversal sinuses.


METHODS
Sixteen cadaveric specimens from the anatomy laboratory of the University Victor-Segalen of Bordeaux were studied. The venous junctions with the transversal sinuses were observed under the operating microscope. Thirty vein-sinus junctions were immunohistochemically stained with smooth muscle actin. Ten venous junctions were observed under the electronic microscope.


RESULTS
The inferior cortical veins drain into the transverse sinus either directly or through a tentorial sinus. The venous orifices in the transverse sinuses share the same characteristics. They are oval with semicircular superior dural reinforcement and follow an orientation opposite venous flow in the transversal sinus. The histologic study showed that the walls of the cortical veins contained smooth muscle cells as well as the dural reinforcement of the transversal sinuses.


CONCLUSIONS
The venous orifices of the inferior cortical veins have the anatomical features of true sphincters. Their function in the regulation of the cerebral blood flow needs further exploration.
Dagain
A
A
Laboratoire d'anatomie, faculté Victor-Segalen, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Service de neurochirurgie, HIA du Val-de-Grâce, 74, boulevard Port-Royal, 75005 Paris, France. dr.adagain@gmail.com
Vignes
R
R
Dulou
R
R
Delmas
J-M
JM
Riem
T
T
Guerin
J
J
Liguoro
D
D
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000098:blood supply*; D002550:Cerebral Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003392:Cranial Sinuses / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans