Test on the anatomy of the dural venous sinuses

Check your knowledge of venous sinuses anatomy. The test covers their topography, blood outflow pathways, anastomoses, and relations with cranial nerves.

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1. Where does the superior sagittal sinus predominantly drain into?

Into the straight sinus.

The superior sagittal sinus typically terminates in the confluence of sinuses (confluens sinuum), located at the internal occipital protuberance.
Into the sigmoid sinus.

The superior sagittal sinus typically terminates in the confluence of sinuses (confluens sinuum), located at the internal occipital protuberance.
Into the confluence of sinuses.

The superior sagittal sinus typically terminates in the confluence of sinuses (confluens sinuum), located at the internal occipital protuberance.
Into the cavernous sinus.

The superior sagittal sinus typically terminates in the confluence of sinuses (confluens sinuum), located at the internal occipital protuberance.
I find it difficult to answer

The superior sagittal sinus typically terminates in the confluence of sinuses (confluens sinuum), located at the internal occipital protuberance.

2. Which sinus is located in the free (lower) edge of the falx cerebri?

Straight sinus

The inferior sagittal sinus passes along the free lower edge of the falx cerebri
Superior sagittal sinus

The inferior sagittal sinus passes along the free lower edge of the falx cerebri
Transverse sinus

The inferior sagittal sinus passes along the free lower edge of the falx cerebri
Inferior sagittal sinus

The inferior sagittal sinus passes along the free lower edge of the falx cerebri
I find it difficult to answer

The inferior sagittal sinus passes along the free lower edge of the falx cerebri

3. What fusion of structures forms the straight sinus?

Inferior sagittal sinus and the great cerebral vein

The straight sinus is formed by the fusion of the inferior sagittal sinus and the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen).
Transverse and occipital sinuses

The straight sinus is formed by the fusion of the inferior sagittal sinus and the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen).
Superior sagittal sinus and the great cerebral vein

The straight sinus is formed by the fusion of the inferior sagittal sinus and the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen).
Cavernous and sphenoparietal sinuses

The straight sinus is formed by the fusion of the inferior sagittal sinus and the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen).
I find it difficult to answer

The straight sinus is formed by the fusion of the inferior sagittal sinus and the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen).

4. Which structure runs inside the cavernous sinus along with the internal carotid artery?

Oculomotor nerve (3rd pair)

The internal carotid artery and the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) run within the cavernous sinus.
Abducens nerve (VI).

The internal carotid artery and the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) run within the cavernous sinus.
Trochlear nerve (4th pair)

The internal carotid artery and the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) run within the cavernous sinus.
Ophthalmic nerve (V1)

The internal carotid artery and the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) run within the cavernous sinus.
I find it difficult to answer

The internal carotid artery and the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) run within the cavernous sinus.

5. Which sinus is located in the groove running along the attached edge of the cerebellar tentorium?

Sigmoid sinus

The transverse sinus (sinus transversus) is located along the posterior attached edge of the tentorium cerebelli.
Superior petrosal sinus

The transverse sinus (sinus transversus) is located along the posterior attached edge of the tentorium cerebelli.
Inferior petrosal sinus

The transverse sinus (sinus transversus) is located along the posterior attached edge of the tentorium cerebelli.
Transverse sinus

The transverse sinus (sinus transversus) is located along the posterior attached edge of the tentorium cerebelli.
I find it difficult to answer

The transverse sinus (sinus transversus) is located along the posterior attached edge of the tentorium cerebelli.

6. Of which sinus is the sigmoid sinus a direct continuation?

Cavernous sinus

The transverse sinus continues into the sigmoid sinus, which then reaches the jugular foramen.
Transverse sinus

The transverse sinus continues into the sigmoid sinus, which then reaches the jugular foramen.
Straight sinus

The transverse sinus continues into the sigmoid sinus, which then reaches the jugular foramen.
Superior sagittal sinus

The transverse sinus continues into the sigmoid sinus, which then reaches the jugular foramen.
I find it difficult to answer

The transverse sinus continues into the sigmoid sinus, which then reaches the jugular foramen.

7. Into which vein do the dural venous sinuses drain after leaving the cranial cavity?

Into the internal jugular vein.

The sigmoid sinus, as the principal collector of venous blood from the sinuses, transitions into the internal jugular vein at the level of the jugular foramen.
Into the external jugular vein.

The sigmoid sinus, as the principal collector of venous blood from the sinuses, transitions into the internal jugular vein at the level of the jugular foramen.
Into the vertebral vein

The sigmoid sinus, as the principal collector of venous blood from the sinuses, transitions into the internal jugular vein at the level of the jugular foramen.
Into the anterior jugular vein

The sigmoid sinus, as the principal collector of venous blood from the sinuses, transitions into the internal jugular vein at the level of the jugular foramen.
I find it difficult to answer

The sigmoid sinus, as the principal collector of venous blood from the sinuses, transitions into the internal jugular vein at the level of the jugular foramen.

8. Which sinuses connect the cavernous sinus with the transverse sinus?

Intercavernous sinuses

The superior petrosal sinus connects the cavernous sinus to the transverse sinus, running along the superior edge of the petrous part of the temporal bone.
Sphenoparietal sinuses

The superior petrosal sinus connects the cavernous sinus to the transverse sinus, running along the superior edge of the petrous part of the temporal bone.
Superior petrosal sinuses

The superior petrosal sinus connects the cavernous sinus to the transverse sinus, running along the superior edge of the petrous part of the temporal bone.
Inferior petrosal sinuses

The superior petrosal sinus connects the cavernous sinus to the transverse sinus, running along the superior edge of the petrous part of the temporal bone.
I find it difficult to answer

The superior petrosal sinus connects the cavernous sinus to the transverse sinus, running along the superior edge of the petrous part of the temporal bone.

9. Through which structure does the cavernous sinus anastomose with the pterygoid venous plexus?

Through diploic veins

The venous plexuses of the foramen ovale, foramen lacerum, and emissary veins connect the cavernous sinus with the pterygoid plexus.
Through the parietal emissary vein

The venous plexuses of the foramen ovale, foramen lacerum, and emissary veins connect the cavernous sinus with the pterygoid plexus.
Through the straight sinus

The venous plexuses of the foramen ovale, foramen lacerum, and emissary veins connect the cavernous sinus with the pterygoid plexus.
Through the venous plexus of the foramen ovale

The venous plexuses of the foramen ovale, foramen lacerum, and emissary veins connect the cavernous sinus with the pterygoid plexus.
I find it difficult to answer

The venous plexuses of the foramen ovale, foramen lacerum, and emissary veins connect the cavernous sinus with the pterygoid plexus.

10. Where is the occipital sinus (sinus occipitalis) located?

In the tentorium cerebelli

The occipital sinus is located in the base of the falx cerebelli, descending to the foramen magnum.
In the falx cerebelli

The occipital sinus is located in the base of the falx cerebelli, descending to the foramen magnum.
In the falx cerebri

The occipital sinus is located in the base of the falx cerebelli, descending to the foramen magnum.
In the diaphragma sellae

The occipital sinus is located in the base of the falx cerebelli, descending to the foramen magnum.
I find it difficult to answer

The occipital sinus is located in the base of the falx cerebelli, descending to the foramen magnum.

11. With which vein does the cavernous sinus communicate, having significant topographic anatomical importance (risk of spreading infection from the face)?

With the occipital vein

The superior ophthalmic vein, which lacks valves, anastomoses with the facial vein and drains into the cavernous sinus.
With the superficial temporal vein

The superior ophthalmic vein, which lacks valves, anastomoses with the facial vein and drains into the cavernous sinus.
With the facial vein via the superior ophthalmic vein

The superior ophthalmic vein, which lacks valves, anastomoses with the facial vein and drains into the cavernous sinus.
With the retromandibular vein

The superior ophthalmic vein, which lacks valves, anastomoses with the facial vein and drains into the cavernous sinus.
I find it difficult to answer

The superior ophthalmic vein, which lacks valves, anastomoses with the facial vein and drains into the cavernous sinus.

12. Which sinus lies on the clivus of the occipital and sphenoid bones?

Basilar plexus

The basilar plexus (plexus basilaris) is located on the clivus and connects the cavernous and inferior petrosal sinuses.
Superior petrosal sinus

The basilar plexus (plexus basilaris) is located on the clivus and connects the cavernous and inferior petrosal sinuses.
Occipital sinus

The basilar plexus (plexus basilaris) is located on the clivus and connects the cavernous and inferior petrosal sinuses.
Cavernous sinus

The basilar plexus (plexus basilaris) is located on the clivus and connects the cavernous and inferior petrosal sinuses.
I find it difficult to answer

The basilar plexus (plexus basilaris) is located on the clivus and connects the cavernous and inferior petrosal sinuses.

13. Which structure of the cranial nerves runs in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus?

Facial nerve (VIIth pair)

In the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus pass the III, IV, and the first branch of the V cranial nerves.
Optic nerve (IIth pair)

In the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus pass the III, IV, and the first branch of the V cranial nerves.
Abducens nerve (VI).

In the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus pass the III, IV, and the first branch of the V cranial nerves.
Oculomotor nerve (3rd pair)

In the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus pass the III, IV, and the first branch of the V cranial nerves.
I find it difficult to answer

In the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus pass the III, IV, and the first branch of the V cranial nerves.

14. Which structures of the dura mater contribute to the formation of the confluence of sinuses (confluens sinuum)?

Cavernous, superior, and inferior petrosal sinuses

The confluence of sinuses is formed by the merging of the superior sagittal, straight, occipital, and both right and left transverse sinuses.
Inferior sagittal and straight sinuses

The confluence of sinuses is formed by the merging of the superior sagittal, straight, occipital, and both right and left transverse sinuses.
Superior sagittal, straight, transverse, and occipital sinuses

The confluence of sinuses is formed by the merging of the superior sagittal, straight, occipital, and both right and left transverse sinuses.
Sigmoid and transverse sinuses

The confluence of sinuses is formed by the merging of the superior sagittal, straight, occipital, and both right and left transverse sinuses.
I find it difficult to answer

The confluence of sinuses is formed by the merging of the superior sagittal, straight, occipital, and both right and left transverse sinuses.

15. Where does the inferior petrosal sinus drain into?

Into the superior sagittal sinus

The inferior petrosal sinus exits the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen and drains into the superior bulb of the internal jugular vein.
Into the jugular bulb of the internal jugular vein

The inferior petrosal sinus exits the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen and drains into the superior bulb of the internal jugular vein.
Into the transverse sinus

The inferior petrosal sinus exits the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen and drains into the superior bulb of the internal jugular vein.
Into the straight sinus.

The inferior petrosal sinus exits the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen and drains into the superior bulb of the internal jugular vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The inferior petrosal sinus exits the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen and drains into the superior bulb of the internal jugular vein.

16. Where is the sphenoparietal sinus (sinus sphenoparietalis) located?

Along the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone

The sphenoparietal sinus runs along the posterior edge of the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone and drains into the cavernous sinus.
Along the petrous part of the temporal bone

The sphenoparietal sinus runs along the posterior edge of the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone and drains into the cavernous sinus.
Around the sella turcica

The sphenoparietal sinus runs along the posterior edge of the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone and drains into the cavernous sinus.
In the clivus region

The sphenoparietal sinus runs along the posterior edge of the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone and drains into the cavernous sinus.
I find it difficult to answer

The sphenoparietal sinus runs along the posterior edge of the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone and drains into the cavernous sinus.

17. What is the primary function of the arachnoid granulations (granulations of the arachnoid mater) protruding into the venous sinuses?

Secretion of cerebrospinal fluid

Arachnoid granulations participate in the resorption (outflow) of cerebrospinal fluid into the venous sinuses, predominantly into the superior sagittal.
Providing arterial blood supply to the meninges

Arachnoid granulations participate in the resorption (outflow) of cerebrospinal fluid into the venous sinuses, predominantly into the superior sagittal.
Cushioning of the brain

Arachnoid granulations participate in the resorption (outflow) of cerebrospinal fluid into the venous sinuses, predominantly into the superior sagittal.
Outflow of cerebrospinal fluid into the venous system

Arachnoid granulations participate in the resorption (outflow) of cerebrospinal fluid into the venous sinuses, predominantly into the superior sagittal.
I find it difficult to answer

Arachnoid granulations participate in the resorption (outflow) of cerebrospinal fluid into the venous sinuses, predominantly into the superior sagittal.

18. What connects the right and left cavernous sinuses, forming the circular sinus?

Basilar plexus

The anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses lie within the diaphragma sellae and connect the cavernous sinuses to each other.
Intercavernous sinuses (anterior and posterior)

The anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses lie within the diaphragma sellae and connect the cavernous sinuses to each other.
Superior petrosal sinuses

The anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses lie within the diaphragma sellae and connect the cavernous sinuses to each other.
Inferior petrosal sinuses

The anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses lie within the diaphragma sellae and connect the cavernous sinuses to each other.
I find it difficult to answer

The anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses lie within the diaphragma sellae and connect the cavernous sinuses to each other.

19. How do venous sinuses communicate with the veins of the external coverings of the skull?

Through the arachnoid villi

Emissary veins (venae emissariae) pass through openings in the skull bones and connect the venous sinuses with external veins of the head.
Through bridging veins

Emissary veins (venae emissariae) pass through openings in the skull bones and connect the venous sinuses with external veins of the head.
Through emissary veins

Emissary veins (venae emissariae) pass through openings in the skull bones and connect the venous sinuses with external veins of the head.
Through the basilar plexus

Emissary veins (venae emissariae) pass through openings in the skull bones and connect the venous sinuses with external veins of the head.
I find it difficult to answer

Emissary veins (venae emissariae) pass through openings in the skull bones and connect the venous sinuses with external veins of the head.

20. In the split of which layer of the dura mater are the venous sinuses located?

Between the dura and the arachnoid mater

Venous sinuses are formed by the divergence of the two layers of the dura mater: the endocranial (periosteal) layer and the meningeal layer.
Between the arachnoid and pia mater

Venous sinuses are formed by the divergence of the two layers of the dura mater: the endocranial (periosteal) layer and the meningeal layer.
In the subdural space

Venous sinuses are formed by the divergence of the two layers of the dura mater: the endocranial (periosteal) layer and the meningeal layer.
Between the external (periosteal) and internal (meningeal) layers of the dura mater

Venous sinuses are formed by the divergence of the two layers of the dura mater: the endocranial (periosteal) layer and the meningeal layer.
I find it difficult to answer

Venous sinuses are formed by the divergence of the two layers of the dura mater: the endocranial (periosteal) layer and the meningeal layer.