The great cerebral vein, also known as the vein of Galen, is a major vein located in the brain. It is formed by the merging of several smaller veins that drain blood from the deep structures of the brain, including the thalamus and basal ganglia. This vein plays a crucial role in returning deoxygenated blood to the heart. The great cerebral vein empties into the straight sinus, which is part of the brain's venous drainage system. This system is essential for maintaining proper blood flow and pressure within the brain, ensuring that waste products are efficiently removed.