The jugular veins are major blood vessels located in the neck. They play a significant role in the body’s vascular network by facilitating blood return from the head.
Understanding the Jugular Veins
The jugular veins collect deoxygenated blood from the head and brain, returning it towards the heart. There are typically three pairs: the internal, external, and anterior jugular veins. The internal jugular veins are larger and located deeper within the neck, running alongside the common carotid artery. They originate inside the skull and descend towards the chest.
In contrast, the external jugular veins are more superficial, lying closer to the skin’s surface. These veins begin near the angle of the jaw, behind the earlobe, and typically run diagonally across the side of the neck. They collect blood from areas outside the skull, including the scalp and face. The anterior jugular veins are smaller and situated at the front of the neck, close to the windpipe.
Locating Your Jugular Veins
Identifying your jugular veins, particularly the external jugular, can be done by observing certain characteristics in the neck. The external jugular vein is often visible as a diagonal line traversing the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is a large muscle on the side of your neck. This vein typically runs from an area just below the earlobe towards the middle of the collarbone. Its superficial position makes it more accessible for visual identification.
To enhance visibility, one might gently turn their head slightly to the opposite side and apply light pressure just above the collarbone. This action can cause the external jugular vein to temporarily engorge with blood, making it appear more prominent. While a slight bulge or pulsation might be noticed, it is generally a softer, undulating movement rather than a distinct, strong beat. The internal jugular vein, being deeper, is not typically visible or easily palpable on the surface.
The Role of Jugular Veins
The primary function of the jugular veins is to return deoxygenated blood from the head, face, and neck to the heart. The internal jugular veins are especially important for draining blood from the brain and skull. This continuous flow ensures waste products are removed and fresh, oxygenated blood can be supplied to the brain.
Blood from the internal jugular veins eventually combines with blood from the subclavian veins, forming the brachiocephalic veins, which merge to create the superior vena cava. This large vein delivers deoxygenated blood to the heart’s right atrium for re-oxygenation in the lungs. The external jugular veins also drain superficial areas of the head and face into the subclavian veins.
Distinguishing Jugular Veins from Other Neck Structures
Differentiating jugular veins from other neck structures, particularly arteries like the carotid artery, is important. The carotid artery, which carries oxygenated blood to the brain, exhibits a strong, distinct, and rhythmic pulse that is easily palpable. This pulse typically has a single, brisk upstroke for each heartbeat. In contrast, jugular veins, especially the internal jugular, usually show a softer, undulating pulsation or no strong pulse at all.
Another distinguishing factor is collapsibility; veins are generally more collapsible than arteries. The jugular veins, particularly the internal jugular, can be observed to collapse or flatten, especially with changes in breathing or gentle pressure applied above them. Arteries, conversely, maintain their shape and do not collapse with light pressure. Furthermore, the jugular venous pulse can change with body position and respiration, while the carotid arterial pulse generally does not.