sinus cavernosus

9.9

One of a pair of large veins at the base of the brain that drain blood from it

noun
/ˈsaɪnəs kəˈvɜrnəsəs/

Specialized

: seno cavernoso

The sinus cavernosus plays a critical role in draining blood from the brain.

Examples

The carotid artery passes through the sinus cavernosus in the cranial cavity.
An infection can sometimes spread to the sinus cavernosus, leading to serious complications.
The doctor explained the function of the sinus cavernosus during the anatomy lecture.
Two sinus cavernosi are located at the base of the brain.
The sinus cavernosus is essential for draining blood from the brain back to the heart.
An infection can sometimes spread to the sinus cavernosus, leading to serious complications.
The doctor explained the function of the sinus cavernosus during the anatomy lecture.

Synonyms

cavernous sinus

vssinus cavernosus

Specialized

1 8.2

A large area of veins on each side of the pituitary gland that drains blood from the brain and face

drains blood primarily from the brain only

Surface Forms

sinus cavernosus singular

sinus cavernosi plural

Morphology

sinus + cavernosus

This is a compositional anatomical term: 'sinus' (a venous channel) combined with the adjective 'cavernosus' (cognate of English 'cavernous', meaning full of cavities). A learner who knows both constituents can transparently infer it denotes a cavernous venous sinus (i.e., a venous channel with cavernous structure), so the overall meaning is predictable rather than idiomatic.

Etymology

Sinus cavernosus comes from Latin words: sinus meaning 'pocket' and cavernosus meaning 'cave-like'. It paints a picture of a cave-like pocket at the base of the brain that holds and lets blood drain away, so the name helps you remember it is a large vein space where blood leaves the brain.