Jugular veins

Jugular veins are veins that bring deoxygenated blood from the head back to the heart via the superior vena cava. There are two sets of jugular veins: the external jugular veins and the internal jugular veins.

External jugular veins

The external jugular vein receives blood from the exterior of the cranium and the deep parts of the face. It is located superficially on the side of the neck.

Internal jugular veins

The internal jugular vein collects blood from the brain, the superficial parts of the face, and the neck. It runs in the carotid sheath with the common carotid artery and vagus nerve.

Clinical significance

The jugular veins are important in the medical field as they can be used to gauge the body's blood pressure. The jugular venous pressure (JVP) is an important indicator of the right atrial pressure, which in turn can reflect the volume status of the right side of the heart.

See also

• Vein
• Superior vena cava
• Blood pressure
• Jugular venous pressure

References

Jugular veins Resources
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