The cortical veins course along the cortical sulci, drain the cortex and some of the adjacent white matter. There are numerous cortical veins and most of them are unnamed, however the large cortical veins can be identified and according to their locations cortical venous system can be subdivided into superior, middle and inferior groups.

The superficial cortical veins are located in the pia mater on the surface of the cortex and drain the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter.

Important veins of superficial cerebral venous system are:

Superficial middle cerebral vein

superior anastomotic vein of Trolard

Vein of Labbé.

see bridging vein