Torcula

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 25.11.2023

Synonyms: Torcular Herophili, confluens sinuum, confluence of sinuses

The torcula is the anatomical confluence of the Sinus sagittalis superior, Sinus transversus, Sinus rectus, and Sinus occipitalis.

Anatomy

This anatomical confluence exhibits considerable anatomical variability and projects onto the Inion in only approximately 50 % of cases[^1]. In approximately 30 % of cases, the torcula is inferior to the inion, and in approximately 20 % of cases, it is superior to the inion[^1].

Figure

Schematic illustration of the torcula — Schematic illustration of the venous inflow and outflow of the torcula.

Venous sinuses, Rhoton — Illustration of the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus, and torcula. Figure adapted from Albert Rhoton, 2002, Neurosurgery.

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