Anatomy question - the cavernous sinus

[at599]

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My notes say "The cavernous sinus receives the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins, thus forming extracranial to intracranial venous connections via the facial vein and the pterygoid plexus. Infection may thus spread from the facial area into the cavernous sinus causing meningitis or thrombosis of the sinus." Whilst I understand that the cavernous sinus makes external to internal connections, I do not understand how this is via the facial vein and pterygoid plexus. Would it be possible for someone to explain this? i would really appreciate it.

Thank you very much.

 

[dentistjpr]

"Because of its connections with the facial vein via the superior ophthalmic vein, it is possible to get infections in the cavernous sinus from an external facial injury. This is especially likely as the facial vein has no valves, allowing blood to pass in both directions. In patients with thrombophlebitis of the facial vein, pieces of the clot may break off and enter the cavernous sinus, and from there the infection may spread to the dural venous sinuses. Infections may also be introduced by facial lacerations and by bursting pimples in the areas drained by the facial vein."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavernous_sinus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavernous_sinus#cite_note-1

 

[bddsgirl]

Hi,

i think the reason for this is because Cavernous Sinus drains into pterygoid plexus of veins through emissary veins passing through foramen ovale, lacerum and emissary sphenoidal foramen.

And Cavernous sinus also drains into facial vein through superior ophthalmic vein.

Hope this helps

 

[dr37]

If you have first aid for nbde, there is a digram there showing the cav sinus conncetions..tht might be helpful.