jugular

Jugular is an anatomical term used to denote structures related to the neck or throat. In medical usage, it commonly refers to the jugular veins, which drain blood from the head and neck back toward the heart, and to other neck-related landmarks such as the jugular notch. The term is also used for certain bony features near the upper chest and base of the skull, such as the jugular notch and the jugular foramen.

Internal jugular vein (IJV) is the principal venous drainage pathway from the brain and deep face. It travels downward within the carotid sheath, lies lateral to the common carotid artery, and drains into the brachiocephalic vein after exiting the skull through the jugular foramen. The external jugular vein (EJV) is a superficial vessel that drains the scalp and face via a course over the sternocleidomastoid muscle, usually joining the subclavian vein.

Clinically, the jugular veins are assessed to estimate right atrial pressure through the jugular venous pressure (JVP). Distension or prominent venous pulsations can indicate fluid overload or heart failure, while low JVP suggests hypovolemia. The internal jugular vein is also a common site for central venous catheterization, typically performed under ultrasound guidance to minimize carotid artery injury; alternatives include the external jugular vein when suitable.

Other jugular references include the jugular notch, a hollow at the top of the sternum used as a surface landmark, and the jugular foramen at the skull base through which cranial nerves IX, X, and XI exit. These structures are named for their close relation to the jugular region of the neck.