Vena cerebri magna

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 18.08.2023

Synonyms: Galen Vena, Vena galeni

The great cerebral vein (vein of Galen) is one of the deep cerebral veins and drains directly into the Straight sinus[^1].

The great cerebral vein is a relatively short venous blood vessel formed by the union of the two Internal cerebral veins. The great cerebral vein runs in the roof of the third cerebral ventricle.

Figure

Posterior view of the tectum, Rhoton — Anatomical illustration of the quadrigeminal plate with and without the corresponding vascular structures. Illustration adapted from Albert Rhoton 2002 Neurosurgery.

Imaging

Vein of Galen on MRI — Visualization of the vein of Galen on sagittal MRI.

Clinical relevance

So-called Vein of Galen malformations can occur in the region of the vein of Galen.

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