What is the correct description of the dural sinuses?

• A. They drain CSF into ventricles
• B. They are arteries
• C. Formed by splits in dura mater. Collect venous blood and CSF for return to circulation.
• D. They run along the spinal cord

Answer: (C)

Dural venous sinuses are the brain’s venous drainage pathways, located within the folds of the dura mater. They are formed where the two layers of dura mater split apart, creating channels that collect venous blood from the brain and cerebrospinal fluid that has circulated in the subarachnoid space. From there, these sinuses return blood and CSF to the circulation, ultimately draining into the internal jugular veins. They are not arteries, and their role isn’t to shuttle CSF into the ventricles. They also don’t run along the spinal cord; in the cranial cavity they follow the dural folds like the falx and tentorium to collect and drain.