Quick Facts
Origin: Cavernous sinus.
Course: Extends along the inferior border of the petrous bone.
Tributaries: Vein of cochlear aqueduct, tributaries from the medulla oblongata, pons, and inferior cerebellar surfaces.
Drainage: Medulla oblongata, pons and inferior cerebellum, internal ear.
Origin
The inferior petrosal sinuses are small sinuses which originate from the posteroinferior aspects of the cavernous sinuses, on each side of the sella turcica.
Course
Each inferior petrosal sinus descends from the cavernous sinus through a shallow groove between the basilar part of the occipital bone and the petrous part of the temporal, before it eventually drains into the internal jugular vein.
Tributaries
The inferior petrosal sinus receives several tributaries prior to merging with the sigmoid sinus to form the internal jugular vein. For instance, it receives labyrinthine veins and tributaries from the medulla oblongata, pons, and inferior cerebellar surfaces.
Structures Drained
The inferior petrosal sinus drains venous blood from the medulla oblongata, pons and inferior cerebellum, and internal ear.
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Inferior Petrosal Sinus
The inferior petrosal sinus travels from the cavernous sinus, usually courses between the glossopharyngeal nerve and vagus and accessory nerves, and eventually joins the jugular bulb medially.
