Jugularvenen

Jugularvenen, or jugular veins, are the main venous channels that drain blood from the head and neck. They comprise the internal jugular vein (IJV) and the external jugular vein (EJV), with smaller anterior jugular veins contributing on the lower anterior neck.

The internal jugular vein is the larger and deeper of the two. It begins at the jugular foramen, where it collects blood from the brain and cranial veins via the dural sinuses, and travels within the carotid sheath alongside the common carotid artery and the vagus nerve. It receives tributaries from the face and neck, then descends to join with the subclavian vein behind the sternoclavicular joint to form the right and left brachiocephalic veins, which in turn form the superior vena cava. The IJV is a principal pathway for cerebral venous drainage and for returning blood from deep facial and neck regions.

The external jugular vein runs more superficially, typically descending across the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It collects blood from the scalp, face, and superficial neck structures and usually drains into the subclavian vein. Smaller anterior jugular veins run along the front of the neck and may drain into the EJV or IJV.

Clinical relevance includes the use of the internal jugular vein for central venous catheterization, often under ultrasound guidance. Considerations during procedures include anatomical variations, risk of puncture of nearby structures, and potential complications such as pneumothorax or arterial injury. Jugular venous distension can be a clinical sign of elevated central venous pressure in heart or lung conditions.