The jugular veins are major blood vessels in the neck responsible for collecting deoxygenated blood from the head and face and returning it toward the heart. They function as part of the body’s circulatory system for blood drainage. Many people wonder if they are feeling their jugular vein when they feel structures in their neck. Under normal circumstances, feeling the jugular vein itself is not a common or expected experience due to the delicate nature and protected position of these veins within the neck’s anatomy.
Location of the Jugular Veins
The neck contains two main sets of jugular veins on each side: the internal and the external. The external jugular vein (EJV) is the more superficial, tracing a path down the neck over the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It primarily drains blood from the superficial areas of the face and scalp. The EJV is typically a smaller vessel that does not carry the bulk of the blood returning from the head.
The internal jugular vein (IJV) is a much larger vessel that drains most of the blood from the brain. It begins at the base of the skull and runs deep within the neck alongside the common carotid artery and the vagus nerve. This deep placement within the carotid sheath offers substantial protection. The IJV is also partially shielded by the sternocleidomastoid muscle as it descends toward the chest.
Why Veins Are Difficult to Palpate
Veins are generally not felt through the skin because of their physiological structure and function compared to arteries. Veins carry blood at a much lower pressure than arteries. This lower pressure means the walls of veins are significantly thinner and less muscular than arterial walls.
The thin walls of the veins make them easily collapsible, especially when the surrounding tissue is lightly pressed. The blood flow within veins is continuous and non-pulsatile, unlike the rhythmic surge of an artery. A vein that is not completely full will simply flatten under a light touch, making it impossible to feel as a distinct, firm structure. The internal jugular vein, in particular, is non-palpable under normal conditions because of its deep position and low internal pressure.
What You Are Likely Feeling Instead
When someone feels a rhythmic throb or a firm structure in the neck, they are likely encountering a neighboring anatomical part. The most common source of confusion is the carotid artery, which runs parallel to the internal jugular vein. The carotid artery carries oxygenated blood pumped directly from the heart, creating a strong pulse easily felt by placing a finger gently to the side of the windpipe.
Another structure often mistaken for an abnormal vessel is the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). This prominent muscle starts behind the ear and angles down to the collarbone. When the head is turned or tilted, the SCM can tense up and feel like a rigid, rope-like structure beneath the skin. This feeling is simply the muscle contracting and has no relation to a blood vessel.
Small, firm, and moveable lumps may also be felt, which are frequently lymph nodes. These small components of the immune system can become slightly swollen and tender during periods of minor illness, like a cold or sore throat. Unlike the smooth, elongated feel of a vessel, lymph nodes typically feel like small beads or beans under the skin.
Recognizing Signs of Abnormal Vein Pressure
While a healthy jugular vein is not typically felt, a visually noticeable change can signal an underlying health issue. The primary abnormal sign is Jugular Venous Distention (JVD), which is the visible bulging or swelling of the vein in the neck. This distention indicates that the central venous pressure is unusually high, meaning there is increased pressure in the veins returning blood to the right side of the heart.
The distended vein may look like a prominent, rope-like structure that does not disappear when a person sits upright. JVD can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, or swelling in the abdomen and lower limbs. If a persistent or visible swelling of the neck veins is observed, consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.