CAVERNOUS SINUS Meaning and
Definition
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The cavernous sinus is a term used in human anatomy to describe a large vein-filled space located within the skull, specifically in the middle cranial fossa. It is situated on each side of the sella turcica, a bony depression on the upper surface of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull. The cavernous sinus is generally shaped like a triangle, with its base formed by the superior and inferior walls of the sphenoid bone, while its apex is directed towards the back of the skull.
The cavernous sinus houses an intricate network of veins, nerves, and important structures that play crucial roles in various physiological functions. It contains blood from different sources, including the ophthalmic veins, the middle cerebral veins, and the sphenoparietal sinuses, among others. Additionally, it also encompasses the internal carotid artery and several cranial nerves, including the oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, abducens nerve, and parts of the trigeminal nerve.
This intricate arrangement of vasculature and nerves in the cavernous sinus makes it an indispensable component for both circulatory and neural functions. It serves as a pathway for blood to drain from the facial region and eyes back to the internal jugular veins, aiding in maintaining proper blood flow and pressure regulation. Furthermore, it is also responsible for transmitting nerve signals to control movements of the eyes, as well as providing sensory information from structures such as the face and the eyes to the brain.
In summary, the cavernous sinus is a vital structure within the skull that houses an extensive network of veins and nerves. It plays critical roles in maintaining proper blood flow, regulating pressure, and facilitating neural communication related to eye movements and sensory perception from the face and eyes.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CAVERNOUS SINUS
- xavernous sinus
- vavernous sinus
- favernous sinus
- davernous sinus
- czvernous sinus
- csvernous sinus
- cwvernous sinus
- cqvernous sinus
- cacernous sinus
- cabernous sinus
- cagernous sinus
- cafernous sinus
- cavwrnous sinus
- cavsrnous sinus
- cavdrnous sinus
- cavrrnous sinus
- cav4rnous sinus
- cav3rnous sinus
- caveenous sinus
Etymology of CAVERNOUS SINUS
The word "cavernous" comes from the Latin word "caverna", which means "cave". The term "sinus" is from the Latin "sinus", meaning "fold" or "curve". In anatomy, "sinus" is used to refer to a cavity or space within a bone or organ.
In the case of the "cavernous sinus", the term describes a large, venous sinus located on either side of the pituitary gland in the skull. It is named as such due to its location within the sphenoid bone, resembling a cave or cavity.
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