cavernous sinus (parasellar sinus)

Introduction

A paired dural sinus on either side of the sella turcica.

The paired sinuses are connected by the anterior & posterior intercavernous sinuses (anterior & posterior to the hypophysis) forming the circular sinus.

The cavernous sinus is trabeculated (a unique feature among the dural sinuses).

The internal carotid artery & the abducens nerve (CN 6) traverse the cavernous sinus. The 1st division of the trigeminal nerve (CN 5) & the oculomotor nerve (CN 3) travel close to the cavernous sinus.

More general terms

• dural sinus

Additional terms

• cavernous sinus syndrome
• cavernous sinus thrombosis
• circular sinus
• dura mater (pachymeninges)
• intercavernous sinus