Brachiocephalic vein

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Right brachiocephalic vein)

Brachiocephalic vein

The brachiocephalic veins, superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, azygos vein and their tributaries.

The brachiocephalic veins (also known as innominate veins) are major veins of the thorax that return blood to the heart from the upper limbs, neck, and head. They are part of the venous system and are situated in the upper chest, one on each side of the body.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Each brachiocephalic vein is formed by the union of the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein. The left brachiocephalic vein is usually longer than the right one and crosses the midline anterior to the aorta and posterior to the sternum. The right brachiocephalic vein is typically shorter and runs a more vertical course.

Function[edit | edit source]

The brachiocephalic veins are responsible for draining oxygen-depleted blood from the upper half of the body and returning it to the heart. They also serve as a conduit for blood returning from the head and neck to the superior vena cava, which then empties into the right atrium of the heart.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to their location and size, the brachiocephalic veins are often used for the insertion of central venous catheters and for the measurement of central venous pressure, which can provide important information about a patient's cardiovascular system.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD