Cherno V. Comparative morphology of the sinuses of the brain dura mater in man and laboratory animals

This dissertation presents new data on the integrated study of the structure, topography, shape and size of the various divisions of the venous system of the brain, their relationships with the dural venous sinuses of the brain and extra- and intracranial anastomoses in adult humans and laboratory animals. Detailed comparative anatomy of the dural venous network of the brain in humans, mature mongrel dogs of different weight, age, and gender, as well as rabbits, and rats is presented. Particular features of the pattern of the venous blood outflow, based on a detailed study of axillary venous formations of the brain dura mater in humans and laboratory animals are characterized. For the first time, the analysis of macro- and microscopic structure of the sinuses of the dura mater in a comparative perspective is given for man, dog, rabbit, and rat. Phylogenetic and ontogenetic features of the formation and establishment of sinuses in different regions of the vascular bed at the level of the arch and base of the skull are described. Venous network of the cranial dura mater of laboratory animals are considered as an experimental model for further study and development of new surgical interventions, and neuro-physiological manipulation. A number of distinctive features of the brain venous formations in humans and laboratory animals are described. In humans, there is an intracranial venous system forming a single vascular complex, which directs the outflow of the blood from the skull to the internal jugular vein. Dogs have extensively developed anastomoses with the internal and external jugular veins and a distinct vertebral venous plexus. Rabbits have better developed connections with the external jugular vein and the vertebral venous plexus. The basal vein of the brain connects ocular sinuses with the vertebral venous plexus. The sigmoid sinus is very poorly developed. In rats, a system of anastomoses is developed between the sinuses of the roof and the base of the skull, between the pronounced transverse sinuses and the vertebral venous plexus, as well as a vein in the base of the brain which separately from the sinuses connects the ocular venous sinuses with the spinal venous plexus. The sigmoid sinuses are absent. Outflow of blood from the skull cavity in rats is carried out in several directions: through the external jugular vein and the cervical venous plexus. The data on the comparative analysis of the features of the histological organization of the sinus walls reveal the mechanisms of the adaptive potential of the various animal species. The ultrastructure of the sinus walls of humans and laboratory animals was extensively investigated. Morphological features characterize the phylogenetic patterns of links between the species.