Occipital vein

Occipital vein is a vein that is located in the human body, specifically in the head and neck region. It plays a crucial role in the circulatory system, carrying deoxygenated blood from the occipital region of the head to the heart.

Anatomy

The occipital vein originates in the posterior part of the scalp. It descends in the back of the neck and passes through the trapezius muscle, a large muscle extending down the back of the neck and upper spine. The occipital vein then drains into the subclavian vein, which carries blood back to the heart.

Function

The primary function of the occipital vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the occipital region of the head. This includes the back of the scalp and the upper part of the neck. The blood is then transported to the heart, where it is reoxygenated and circulated back to the rest of the body.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the occipital vein may be used for venous access in medical procedures. This is typically done when other veins are not suitable or accessible. However, this is relatively rare due to the vein's location and size.

See also

• Vein
• Circulatory system
• Scalp
• Subclavian vein

References

Occipital vein Resources
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