Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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The sphenopalatine vein: anatomical study of a rarely described structure

  • Joe Iwanaga (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Eric Pineda (Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Yusuke Miyamoto (Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyusyu University) ;
  • Grzegorz Wysiadecki (Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz) ;
  • Samir Anadkat (Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • R. Shane Tubbs (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2022.11.17
  • Accepted : 2023.01.10
  • Published : 2023.06.30
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Abstract

Although in counterpart, the sphenopalatine artery (SPA), has been well described in the medical literature, the sphenopalatine vein (SPV) has received scant attention. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed. Additionally, we discuss the variations, embryology, and clinical significance of the SPV. Adult cadaveric specimens underwent dissection of the SPV. In addition, some specimens were submitted for histological analysis of this structure. The SPV was found to drain from the sphenoidal sinus and nasal septum. Small tributaries traveled through the nasal septum with the posterior septal branches of the SPA and nasopalatine nerve. The SPA and SPV were found to travel through the sphenopalatine foramen and another tributary was found to perforate the medial plate of the pterygoid process and to connect to the pterygoid venous plexus which traveled lateral to the medial plate of the pterygoid process. The vein traveled through the posterior part of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with the posterior lateral nasal branches of the SPA and the lateral superior posterior nasal branches of the maxillary nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study on the SPV in humans. Data on the SPV provides an improved anatomical understanding of the vascular network of the nasal cavity. Developing a more complete picture of the nasal cavity and its venous supply might help surgeons and clinicians better manage clinical entities such as posterior epistaxis, cavernous sinus infections, and perform endoscopic surgery with fewer complications.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind's overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude [15].

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