Thyroid veins

Thyroid veins are veins in the neck that drain the thyroid gland. They consist of the superior, middle, and inferior thyroid veins.

Superior thyroid vein

The superior thyroid vein begins at the upper part of the thyroid gland and accompanies the superior thyroid artery. It receives tributaries from the larynx and muscles adjacent to the thyroid gland. It drains into the internal jugular vein.

The superior thyroid vein.

Middle thyroid vein

The middle thyroid vein drains the lateral part of the thyroid gland. It runs horizontally across the thyroid cartilage and drains directly into the internal jugular vein.

The middle thyroid vein.

Inferior thyroid vein

The inferior thyroid vein drains the lower part of the thyroid gland and the adjacent muscles. It runs downwards and drains into the brachiocephalic vein.

The inferior thyroid vein.

Clinical significance

The thyroid veins are important in the surgical management of thyroid diseases. They are at risk of injury during thyroid surgery, which can lead to significant bleeding. Knowledge of the anatomy of the thyroid veins is therefore crucial for surgeons.

See also

• Thyroid gland
• Thyroid arteries
• Thyroid surgery