Jugular vein

The jugular vein is a vital part of the human anatomy that carries deoxygenated blood from the head back to the heart. There are two pairs of jugular veins: the internal jugular vein and the external jugular vein.

Anatomy

The jugular veins are located on either side of the neck. The internal jugular vein runs down the inside of the neck, parallel to the carotid artery, while the external jugular vein runs diagonally across the surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Internal Jugular Vein

The internal jugular vein begins in the jugular foramen at the base of the skull, and descends vertically down the side of the neck, passing through the carotid sheath and terminating in the brachiocephalic vein. It is responsible for draining blood from the brain, face, and neck.

External Jugular Vein

The external jugular vein begins near the angle of the mandible, and descends diagonally across the sternocleidomastoid muscle to drain into the subclavian vein. It drains blood from the scalp and parts of the face.

Clinical Significance

The jugular veins, particularly the internal jugular vein, are often used in medical procedures such as central venous catheterization. They can also be used to assess a patient's central venous pressure, which can provide important information about the patient's cardiovascular health.

Abnormalities of the jugular veins, such as jugular vein distention, can be a sign of serious medical conditions, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

See Also

• Vein
• Neck
• Human cardiovascular system

Jugular vein

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