Great cerebral vein

Definition

The great cerebral vein, also known as the great vein of Galen, is a large vein located within the brain that collects blood from the internal cerebral veins and basal veins to ultimately drain into the straight sinus. It plays a crucial role in the venous blood drainage system of deep structures within the brain.

Related terms

Internal Cerebral Veins: Veins located within the deep parts of the brain that drain blood from various internal structures into larger veins like the great cerebral vein.

Straight Sinus:

A dural venous sinus in the brain into which the great cerebral vein empties its collected blood for return to circulation.

Basal Veins: Veins that drain blood from deep areas of the brain, contributing to its collection by merging with others such as internal cerebral veins before reaching the great cerebral vein