Deoxygenated blood from the transverse sinus drains into the _______.

**Core Concept**
The cerebral venous system is responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the brain. The transverse sinus is a key structure in this system, and its drainage pattern is essential for understanding cerebral venous anatomy.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Deoxygenated blood from the transverse sinus drains into the sigmoid sinus through the confluence of sinuses (torcular herophili). The sigmoid sinus then continues as the internal jugular vein, which ultimately drains into the jugular veins. This drainage pattern is crucial for venous return from the brain.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is likely to be incorrect, as the superior sagittal sinus is a separate venous structure that drains deoxygenated blood from the cerebral cortex, not the transverse sinus.
* **Option B:** This option is also incorrect, as the straight sinus drains deoxygenated blood from the superior sagittal sinus and the vein of Galen, not the transverse sinus.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect, as the internal cerebral vein drains deoxygenated blood from the thalamus and hypothalamus, not the transverse sinus.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The cerebral venous system is a complex network of sinuses and veins that drain deoxygenated blood from the brain. Understanding the drainage pattern of the transverse sinus is essential for neurosurgical procedures and the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis.

**Correct Answer: D. Sigmoid sinus.**