Basal vein

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Basal vein

The basal vein, also known as the vein of Rosenthal, is a significant vein in the brain that plays a crucial role in the venous drainage of the cerebral hemispheres. It is named after the German anatomist Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal who first described it.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The basal vein is formed by the union of several smaller veins, including the anterior cerebral vein, the deep middle cerebral vein, and the inferior striate veins. It courses posteriorly around the midbrain and eventually drains into the great cerebral vein (also known as the vein of Galen).

Formation[edit | edit source]

The basal vein begins at the level of the anterior perforated substance, where it receives blood from the anterior cerebral vein and the deep middle cerebral vein. It then travels posteriorly, running along the lateral aspect of the midbrain.

Tributaries[edit | edit source]

The basal vein receives blood from several tributaries, including:

Drainage[edit | edit source]

The basal vein ultimately drains into the great cerebral vein, which then empties into the straight sinus. This pathway is essential for the venous drainage of the deep structures of the brain, including the thalamus, basal ganglia, and the internal capsule.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The basal vein is of clinical importance due to its involvement in various neurological disorders. Obstruction or thrombosis of the basal vein can lead to increased intracranial pressure and venous infarction. It is also a critical structure in neurosurgery and neuroimaging.