Left innominate vein

Left innominate vein

The left innominate vein as seen in a diagram of the veins of the neck, from Gray's Anatomy.

The left innominate vein (also known as the left brachiocephalic vein) is a large blood vessel located in the upper part of the human body. It is one of the two innominate veins, the other being the right innominate vein.

Structure

The left innominate vein is formed by the union of the left internal jugular vein and the left subclavian vein. It is shorter and larger than the right innominate vein. It begins at the root of the neck and passes obliquely downward and to the right to join the right innominate vein, forming the superior vena cava.

Function

The left innominate vein carries deoxygenated blood from the left side of the head and neck, and the left upper limb, back to the heart.

Clinical significance

Due to its location and size, the left innominate vein can be involved in various medical conditions, such as thoracic outlet syndrome and mediastinal syndrome. It can also be used for the insertion of a central venous catheter.

See also

• Anatomy of the human body
• Veins of the head and neck
• Veins of the upper limb