What is "cavernous sinus"

n. either of a pair of large venous sinuses in the cranial cavity [syn: sinus cavernosus]

The cavernous sinus (or lateral sellar compartment), within the human head, is a true dural venous sinus (not a venous plexus) creating a cavity bordered by the temporal bone of the skull and the sphenoid bone, lateral to the sella turcica.

Relations :

Superiorly : optic tract, optic chiasma, internal carotid artery. Inferiorly : greater wing of sphenoid bone. Medially : sella turcica and sphenoidal air sinus. Laterally : temporal lobe with uncus. Anteriorly : superior orbital fissure. Posteriorly : apex of petrous temporal bone.

Structures within lateral wall : - Oculomotor nerve - Ophthalmic nerve - Trochlear nerve - Maxillary nerve - Trigeminal ganglion

Structures passing through medial aspect : -Abducent nerve & Internal carotid artery

Tributaries: Superior ophthalmic vein, Inferior ophthalmic vein, Superficial middle cerebral vein, Inferior cerebral vein, Sphenoparietal sinus