Head and neck

• What is the main function of the superior vena cava?

  It collects blood from the head, neck, and upper limbs.
• What is the length and diameter of the superior vena cava?

  It is 5-6 cm long and 2-2.5 cm in diameter.
• How is the superior vena cava formed?

  It is formed when the right and left brachiocephalic veins merge.
• Where does the superior vena cava open into?

  It opens into the right atrium.
• What anatomical features do cerebral veins have?

  Cerebral veins form anastomoses, have multiple drainage paths, and lack valves.
• Why do some cerebral veins open into venous sinuses against blood flow?

  To maintain patency and ensure proper drainage.

  
• What is the role of pachimeningeal sinuses?

  They do not collapse and help maintain a hemivacuum.
• What are the two groups of veins in the brain?

  Superficial and deep veins.

  
• What are the main features of venous drainage from the scalp?

  • Veins accompany arteries and have similar names.
  • Supratrochlear and supraorbital veins form the angular vein.
  • The superficial temporal vein joins the maxillary vein to form the retromandibular vein.
  • The anterior part unites with the facial vein to form the common facial vein.
  • The occipital vein terminates in the suboccipital plexus.
• What do the superficial temporal vein and maxillary vein form?

  They form the retromandibular vein.
• Where does the common facial vein drain into?

  It drains into the internal jugular vein.
• What are the characteristics of veins of the brain?

  • Subdivided into superficial and deep veins.
  • Blood outflow is through venous sinuses.
  • Anastomosis forms a venous network on the brain's surface.
  • Superior and inferior anastomotic veins connect various sinuses and veins.

  
• What is the termination point for the superior cerebral veins?

  They terminate in the superior sagittal sinus.

  
• What is the function of the inferior cerebral veins?

  They drain blood from the orbit and temporal lobe.
• What are the features of the deep veins of the brain?

  • Located within the brain.
  • Collect blood from the septum pellucidum, basal nuclei, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum.
  • Lack muscular walls and valves.
  • Do not typically follow arterial supply.
• What is the greater cerebral vein also known as?

  Vena magna cerebri.
• What connects the cavernous sinus and the internal jugular vein?

  The plexus venosus caroticus internus.
• What are the types of emissary veins and their connections?

  1. Parietal emissary vein connects the superior sagittal sinus and superficial temporal vein.
  2. Mastoid emissary vein connects the sigmoid sinus with the occipital vein.
  3. Condylar emissary vein connects the sigmoid sinus to the external vertebral venous plexus.
  4. Occipital emissary vein connects dural venous sinuses with scalp veins.
• What is the role of the pterygoid plexus?

  It collects blood from the nasal cavity, dura mater, and teeth.
• What is the significance of the deep veins of the brain?

  They collect blood from various brain structures and lack valves.

  
• What are the main features of the system of deep veins of the brain?

  • Located within the brain.
  • Collect blood from septum pellucidum, basal nuclei, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum.
  • Lack muscular walls and valves.
  • Significant anatomical variation between individuals.
• What is the termination point for the basal veins?

  They form the greater cerebral vein which flows into the straight sinus.

  
• What is the function of the internal cerebral veins?

  They collect blood from the thalamostriate and choroidal veins.
• How do the deep veins of the brain differ from superficial veins?

  Deep veins do not typically follow arterial supply and lack muscular walls.
• What is the significance of the Galen's vein?

  It connects the internal cerebral veins of both hemispheres.

  
• What is the anatomical location of the superior group of deep veins?

  They are located near the interventricular septum.
• What do the inferior group of deep veins drain?

  They drain blood from the brainstem and cerebellum.

  
• What is the role of the basal vein of Rosenthal?

  It originates on the medial surface of the temporal lobe.
• What forms the internal cerebral veins?

  The internal cerebral veins are formed by the merger of the thalamostriate and choroidal veins.

  
• Where do the internal cerebral veins connect?

  They connect near the splenium of the corpus callosum, forming Galen’s vein.
• What flows into the vein of Galen before it opens?

  A corresponding basal vein flows into each internal cerebral vein before opening into the vein of Galen.
• What are the veins of the inferior group of the lateral ventricle?

  The veins of the inferior group include the venae trunci encephali, v. pontomesencephalica, vv. pontis, and vv. medullae oblongatae.
• What do the basal veins form when combined?

  The basal veins form the greater cerebral vein (v. Magna cerebri).
• Where does the basal vein of Rosenthal originate and drain into?

  The basal vein of Rosenthal originates on the medial surface of the temporal lobe and drains into the vein of Galen.
• What is the venous drainage process from the cerebellum?

  • Vv. cerebelli superiores et inferiores collect blood.
  • Tributaries include inferior medial and lateral veins, superior medial and lateral veins.
  • Merge with veins of the brain peduncles and flow into the superior petrosal sinus.
  • Superior veins can open into the straight sinus and great cerebral vein.
  • Inferior veins can open into the transverse and inferior petrosal sinuses.

  
• What structures are included in the veins of the posterior cerebral fossa on the left side?

  Structures include pulvinar of left thalamus, internal cerebral veins, great cerebral vein, and others.

  
• What composes the venous anastomotic network (circle Trolard) at the base of the brain?

  • Anterior cerebral veins
  • Communicating veins
  • Basal vein of Rosenthal
  • Posterior communicating veins
  • Lateral mesencephalic veins
• Why is the venous circle Trolard important for neurosurgeons?

  It may cause bleeding during procedures like endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
• What are the three pairs of jugular veins in the neck?

  • Vena jugularis interna
  • Vena jugularis externa
  • Vena jugularis anterior
• How is the internal jugular vein formed?

  It is formed by the union of inferior petrosal and sigmoid dural venous sinuses.