Cavernous sinus: Learn about the cavernous sinus

Learn about the cavernous sinus, a paired venous cavity that drains blood from the brain and face. Find out its structure, contents, relations, and clinical implications of abnormalities. The cavernous sinus is a paired dural venous sinus located within the cranial cavity. It is divided by septa into small ‘caves’ - from which it gets its name. Each cavernous sinus has a close anatomical relationship with several key structures in the head. The cavernous sinus is part of the brain’s dural venous sinus and contains multiple neuro-vasculatures. It is situated bilaterally to the sella turcica and extends from the superior orbital fissure anteriorly to the petrous part of the temporal bone posteriorly, and is about 1 cm wide and 2 cm long. Cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) is a condition caused by any pathology involving the cavernous sinus which may present as a combination of unilateral ophthalmoplegia (cranial nerve (CN) III, IV, VI), autonomic dysfunction (Horner syndrome) or sensory CN V 1 - CN V 2 loss. Anatomy The venous drainage system of the head and face have a unique anatomy.