The correct spelling of the medical term "basilar sinus" is /ˈbæsɪlər ˈsaɪnəs/. The first part of the word, "basilar," is pronounced with the "a" as in "cat" sound (/æ/), and the stress on the second syllable. The second part, "sinus," is pronounced with the "i" as in "eye" sound (/aɪ/) and the stress on the first syllable. The basilar sinus is a venous channel located at the base of the skull that drains blood from the brain.
The basilar sinus is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific venous structure located within the brain. It refers to a particular section of the dural venous sinuses, which are large, venous channels that collect deoxygenated blood from the brain and transport it back to the heart.
The basilar sinus is formed by the convergence of the two internal cerebral veins, which receive blood from deep structures in the brain, such as the thalamus and basal ganglia. It is situated within the posterior cranial fossa, in close proximity to the basilar artery, a major artery that supplies blood to the brainstem and the cerebellum.
This sinus acts as a crucial collecting channel for venous blood flow from the deep regions of the brain, particularly for the areas supplied by the basilar artery. It helps to drain the deoxygenated blood from these regions and facilitate its return to the systemic circulation.
The basilar sinus ultimately joins with other dural venous sinuses to form the larger sigmoid sinus, which continues to drain blood back into the internal jugular vein. Due to its location and function, the basilar sinus plays an essential role in maintaining proper venous drainage and overall blood circulation within the brain.
Sinus transversus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "basilar sinus" is composed of two parts: "basilar" and "sinus".
The word "basilar" is derived from the Latin word "basis", meaning "base" or "foundation". It refers to the base or bottom part of something. In anatomy, it specifically refers to the region near the base of the skull or the base of a structure.
The term "sinus" is also derived from Latin and means "curve" or "fold". In anatomy, it refers to a hollow or cavity within a body or organ.
Put together, "basilar sinus" refers to a sinus or cavity located near the base of the skull. It specifically refers to the dural venous sinus known as the "great cerebral vein" or "great vein of Galen", which runs along the posterior part of the base of the brain and drains blood from the brain.