Internal Jugular Vein

Description

The Internal Jugular Vein is a major vein located on the left side of the neck, formed by the union of the Common Facial Vein and the Internal Maxillary Vein.

Formation

The Internal Jugular Vein is formed by the union of:

• Common Facial Vein
• Internal Maxillary Vein

Course and Relations

• It ascends through the neck, passing posterior to the Jugular Vein Bulb and Carotid Gland.
• It lies anterior to the Internal Carotid Artery, posterior to the Sternohyoid Muscle, and medial to the omohyoid muscle, the Internal Carotid Artery, and the Vagus Nerve.
• It pierces the Jugular Vein Bulb and enters the Jugular Vein Bulb in the Medulla Oblongata.

Tributaries

• Common Facial Vein
• Internal Maxillary Vein
• Lingual Vein
• Glossopharyngeal Vein
• Pharyngeal Vein
• Inferior Thyroid Vein
• Superior Thyroid Vein
• Thyroid Vein

Applied Anatomy

• Used for blood transfusion in emergency situations.
• Used to inject drugs and chemicals into the bloodstream.
• Used to monitor the blood pressure in patients undergoing surgery.

Pathway

Left Common Carotid Vein → Brachiocephalic Vein → Superior Vena Cava → Right Atrium → Left Atrium → Left Ventricle → Pulmonary Artery → Lung → Pulmonary Veins → Left Atrium → Left Ventricle → Aorta → Systemic Circulation