What is the jugular vein?

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The jugular vein is called the internal jugular vein. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a large vein that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.

Summary

The jugular vein is called the internal jugular vein. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a large vein that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.

What it is

  • A large vein that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.
  • One of the largest veins above the heart.
  • Its collapse or filling reflects the pressure in the right atrium.

Where it is

  • Runs down each side of the neck.
  • Alongside the common carotid artery and vagus nerve within the carotid sheath.
  • Joins the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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