Superior thyroid vein

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Latin	vena thyreoidea superior

The superior thyroid vein is a blood vessel that drains blood from the upper part of the thyroid gland. It is one of the three main veins responsible for the venous drainage of the thyroid gland, the others being the middle thyroid vein and the inferior thyroid vein.

Anatomy

The superior thyroid vein originates from the upper part of the thyroid gland. It ascends along the lateral aspect of the gland and typically drains into the internal jugular vein. The vein is often accompanied by the superior thyroid artery, which supplies arterial blood to the same region of the thyroid gland.

Function

The primary function of the superior thyroid vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the upper portion of the thyroid gland and transport it to the internal jugular vein. This process is crucial for maintaining proper blood circulation and ensuring that metabolic waste products are efficiently removed from the thyroid gland.

Clinical Significance

The superior thyroid vein is of clinical importance in various medical procedures involving the thyroid gland, such as thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland). Care must be taken to avoid damaging this vein during surgery to prevent excessive bleeding and ensure proper postoperative recovery.

See Also

• Thyroid gland
• Internal jugular vein
• Superior thyroid artery
• Middle thyroid vein
• Inferior thyroid vein
• Thyroidectomy