Corpus: Basal vein
Synonym: Rosenthal vein
1. Definition
The basal vein is a deep cerebral vein that joins the great cerebral vein at the base of the brain.
2. Anatomy
The basal vein is formed by the union of the anterior cerebral vein, the middle cerebral vein, and the inferior thalamostriatal veins. However, there are numerous variations in its formation.
3. Course
The basal vein runs along the medial surface of the temporal lobe, moving towards the back and the middle of the brain. It travels lateral to the midbrain through the cisterna ambiens and then flows into the great cerebral vein. In the cisterna ambiens, it is closely associated with the posterior cerebral artery and the trochlear nerve (4th cranial nerve).
4. Inflow area
The inflow area of the basal vein is highly variable. It collects blood from the frontal and insular parts of the brain, the medial part of the temporal lobe, the hippocampus, and parts of the diencephalon and midbrain.