Torcula

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Torcular Herophili, confluens sinuum, confluence of sinuses

The Torcula is the anatomical confluence of the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, straight sinus and occipital sinus together.

Anatomy

This anatomical confluence is subject to high anatomical variability and projects onto the inion in approximately 50% of cases[^1]. In about 30% of cases, the Torcula is located inferior to the inion and in about 20% of cases, superior to the inion[^1].

Figure

Schematic representation of the torcula
Schematic representation of the venous inflow and outflow of the torcula.
Venous blood vessels Rhoton
Illustration of the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus and the torcula. Illustration adapted from Albert Rhoton 2002 Neurosurgery.