Which sinus follows a posterolateral course along the petrous part?

The superior petrosal sinus is positioned in such a way that it follows a posterolateral course along the petrous part of the temporal bone. This structure is situated along the superior edge of the petrous portion and drains venous blood from the cavernous sinus into the transverse sinus. Its location and trajectory are critical for understanding venous drainage in the cranial cavity, as well as for surgical approaches to the posterior fossa.

In contrast, the inferior petrosal sinus runs more directly from the cavernous sinus to the jugular bulb and does not follow a posterolateral course. The sigmoid sinus, which curves along the posterior aspect of the temporal bone and transitions into the internal jugular vein, also does not specifically track along the petrous part in a posterolateral manner. The occipital sinus, located in the falx cerebelli, does not follow the petrous portion and is relatively distant from the trajectory in question. Thus, the superiority of the superior petrosal sinus in this context is clear when considering its anatomical path.