Posterior inferior view of cerebral vasculature. The cerebellum has been retracted inferiorly to expose the posterior aspect of the midbrain, pineal gland, and the splenium of the corpus callosum. The temporal lobes of the cerebrum are visible on the lateral aspects of the image with the posterior cerebral arteries coursing on their inferior surface. The paired internal cerebral veins drain the deep parts of the cerebral hemispheres course posteriorly along the roof of the third ventricle and beneath the splenium of the corpus callosum. The basal veins of Rosenthal are paired veins that originate on the medial surface of the temporal lobe and course posteriorly to join the internal cerebral veins. The great cerebral vein of Galen is formed by the union of the internal cerebral veins and the basal veins in the quadrigeminal cistern. It courses superiorly around the posterior border of the splenium of the corpus callosum to join the inferior sagittal sinus to form the straight sinus. (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)