External jugular vein

External jugular vein

The External jugular vein is a blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the head and neck back to the heart. It is one of the two jugular veins, the other being the Internal jugular vein.

Anatomy

The external jugular vein begins near the angle of the mandible, or jawbone, and runs down the neck, superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It drains into the subclavian vein, which then joins with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

Function

The primary function of the external jugular vein is to carry deoxygenated blood from the head and neck back to the heart. It also plays a role in the regulation of intracranial pressure.

Clinical significance

The external jugular vein is often used for medical procedures such as venipuncture and the insertion of central venous catheters. It is also used as a landmark in neck surgeries.

See also

• Internal jugular vein
• Subclavian vein
• Brachiocephalic vein
• Venipuncture
• Central venous catheter

References

• Diagram showing the thoracic and abdominal veins
  Diagram showing the thoracic and abdominal veins
• 
  Anatomy of the veins of the neck
• Veins of the head and neck
  Veins of the head and neck
• External jugular vein
  External jugular vein