The cavernous sinus is a venous sinus of the brain belonging to the dural venous sinuses.
Anatomy
The cavernous sinus lies on either side of the Sella turcica. A segment of the Internal carotid artery, as well as the Abducens nerve, passes through the cavernous sinus. The first and second branches of the Trigeminal nerve, as well as the Oculomotor nerve and the Trochlear nerve, pass through the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus.
The paired cavernous sinuses are connected to each other across the midline via the Sinus intercavernosus and via the Plexus basilaris.
Figure
Clinical relevance
The cavernous sinus is a predilection site for septic thrombosis, which occurs there most frequently[^1] [^2].
Operative
Intraoperative opening or injury can result in severe venous bleeding.