Middle cerebral veins

Superficial middle cerebral vein

The superficial middle cerebral vein (superficial Sylvian vein) begins on the lateral surface of the hemisphere. It runs along the lateral sulcus to empty into either the cavernous sinus, or sphenoparietal sinus. It is adherent to the deep surface of the arachnoid mater bridging the lateral sulcus. It drains the adjacent cortex.

Anastomoses

At its posterior extremity, the superficial middle cerebral vein is connected with the superior sagittal sinus via the superior anastomotic vein, and with the transverse sinus via the inferior anastomotic vein.