Anatomy of the sympathetic pathways in the cavernous sinus

We studied sympathetic fibres in the cavernous sinus in 40 unfixed specimens obtained from human cadavers. Sympathetic fibres in the cavernous sinus are understood to be grouped in a plexiform configuration surrounding the internal carotid artery and have a diffuse distribution among the sympathetic nerves. Our study, however, suggests that a more systematic arrangement of sympathetic pathways exists in the cavernous sinus. A detailed anatomical description of intracavernous sympathetic fibres contributes to academic anatomical knowledge and may have practical applications for 1. diagnostic interpretation of pathologic conditions involving the cavernous sinus, 2. recognition and orientation of anatomical structures during intracavernous surgical procedures, and 3. a deeper understanding of the sympathetic nerve supply to cerebral vasculature.