Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
07:47
The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire
Published on: December 23, 2014
Cervical venous organization in the transverse foramen
Olivier Palombi1, Stephane Fuentes, Philippe Chaffanjon
1Anatomy Laboratory, Joseph Fourier University Medical School, Grenoble, France. OPalombi@chu-grenoble.fr
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|October 1, 2005
Summary
The transverse canal contains no veins; instead, venous blood flows through periosteal spaces resembling intracranial sinuses. This challenges previous anatomical descriptions of the vertebral artery venous network.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Biology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Current understanding describes veins accompanying the vertebral artery within the transverse foramen.
- A venous network, the internal vertebral venous plexus, is thought to surround the thecal sac.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely define the venous anatomy within the transverse canal using microdissection and histology.
- To clarify the vascular structures surrounding the vertebral artery in the cervical spine.
Main Methods:
- Microdissection and histological analysis of six human cervical spinal segments (C1-C7).
- Embalming, latex injection, decalcification, and staining with H&E-S and immunocytochemical markers (CD43, CD31, desmin).
Main Results:
- No definitive veins were identified within the transverse canal itself.
- Venous blood flow occurs within periosteal spaces between transverse processes.
- These spaces are lined by vascular endothelium, forming a sinus-like structure around the vertebral artery.
Conclusions:
- The venous system in the transverse canal functions as a periosteal sinus, not as discrete veins.
- This finding refines the anatomical understanding of the vertebral venous system and its surgical implications.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen. The...
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:11Overview of Systemic Veins
Systemic veins are crucial blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from various body tissues back to the heart. There are three systemic veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart, they are as follows.
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the middle...
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the middle...
01:19Veins of Thorax
The azygos system is a crucial part of the body's circulatory system and drains most of the thorax. It comprises the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory hemiazygos veins.
The azygos vein, positioned just right of the midline and anterior to the vertebral column, begins at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, terminating in the superior vena cava. This vein drains blood from the right side of the thoracic wall, thoracic viscera, and posterior abdominal wall.
The...
The azygos vein, positioned just right of the midline and anterior to the vertebral column, begins at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, terminating in the superior vena cava. This vein drains blood from the right side of the thoracic wall, thoracic viscera, and posterior abdominal wall.
The...
01:18Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
The human body is a complex system of interconnected parts, and the circulatory system plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. One key component of this system is the inferior vena cava, a large vein responsible for returning blood from the abdominopelvic viscera and abdominal walls to the heart.
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...