The veins that drain the brain
The jugular veins are found in the neck.
They are the main path for deoxygenated blood returning from the cranium back to the heart.
Anatomy
The jugular veins are paired right and left.
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There are four main jugular veins, two internal and two external.
There is also a pair of anterior jugular veins.
Location
The largest pair of jugular veins are theinternal jugular veins.
They exit the cranium through the jugular foramen (foramen is a fancy medical term for a hole).
Each of the internal jugular veins runs on either side of the neck under the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
They are difficult to locate without ultrasound to assist.
The internal jugular veins join with the subclavian veins to form the brachiocephalic veins.
They are located outside the sternocleidomastoid muscle and are often visible to the naked eye.
The anterior jugular veinsare located near the midline on either side of the throat.
They are very small and not as clinically significant as the internal and external jugular veins.
Structure
The jugular veins are built like all other veins.
The walls of veins contain three layers similar to arteries but are much less elastic.
Function
Arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins carry blood toward the heart.
All veins except those returning blood from the pulmonary system carry deoxygenated blood.
Veins handle much lower pressure than arteries and have much higher capacity overall.
The jugular veins are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood from the cranium, face, and brain.
Clinical Significance
The internal and external jugular veins both have clinical significance.
The internal jugular veins are used as a site for central vein catheterization.
Typically, locating the internal jugular vein for central line access requires the use of ultrasound.
Access to the right internal jugular vein is considered preferable due to its length and straighter route.
Due to the superficial placement of the external jugular veins, they are useful indicators of systemic venous obstruction.
Rivard AB, Burns B.Anatomy, head and neck, internal jugular vein.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Bechmann S, Kashyap V.Anatomy, head and neck, external jugular veins.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
