Diploic veins

The diploic veins occupy channels in the diploe of the cranial bones. They are large and exhibit at irregular intervals pouch-like dilatations; their walls are thin, and formed of endothelium resting upon a layer of elastic tissue.

They receive blood form the dura mater and cranial roff and communicate with both the dural venous sinuses and superficial veins of the head.

The diploic veins are ategorized into several main veins based on their anatomical locations:

1. Frontal Diploic Vein (FDV): Drains the frontal bone and typically exits near the supraorbital notch.

2. Anterior Temporal Diploic Vein (ATDV): Found in the anterior temporal region, often involved in pterional craniotomies.

3. Posterior Temporal Diploic Vein (PTDV): Located in the posterior temporal region, near the asterion, and is often the dominant diploic vessel.

4. Occipital Diploic Vein: Drains the occipital bone and is frequently found in the occipital regions.

The diploic veins exhibit significant individual variability in their patterns and distributions. They are most commonly found in the frontal and parietal bones, often displaying a bilaterally symmetrical pattern.[1-2] The parietal bone contains the most diploic vessels, while the temporal squama typically lacks these veins.[1]

These veins play a crucial role in neurosurgical procedures, as they can be a source of significant bleeding if damaged. Understanding their anatomy is essential for surgical planning and avoiding complications during cranial surgeries.[1-2]