The jugular veins are major blood vessels located in the neck, playing a significant role in the circulatory system. They collect deoxygenated blood from the head, brain, and neck, returning it to the heart. These veins act as a drainage system, ensuring continuous blood flow back to the central circulation for overall body reoxygenation.
Locating the Jugular Veins in the Neck
The neck contains jugular veins, primarily categorized into internal, external, and anterior types. Each pair is located on both sides of the neck, with distinct anatomical paths.
The internal jugular vein (IJV) is a large, deep vein that begins inside the skull at the base, exiting through the jugular foramen. It runs vertically down the side of the neck, positioned lateral to the common carotid artery and accompanied by the vagus nerve within a connective tissue sheath called the carotid sheath. Lying underneath the major neck muscles, it is less visible externally.
The external jugular vein (EJV) is more superficial, beginning near the angle of the jaw. It descends obliquely across the sternocleidomastoid muscle, lying between the neck muscles and the skin. This positioning means it can be visually identified as a visible cord under the skin. The EJV drains into the subclavian vein near the collarbone.
The anterior jugular vein is the smallest of the jugular veins, located at the front of the neck. It originates from small superficial veins under the chin and descends close to the midline, connecting to its counterpart on the opposite side via a transverse venous arch just above the sternum. This vein drains into the external jugular vein or directly into the subclavian vein.
The Jugular Veins’ Function
The primary function of the jugular veins is to collect deoxygenated blood from the head, brain, face, and superficial areas of the scalp. They then return this blood to the heart.
The internal jugular veins specifically drain blood from the brain and deeper parts of the face and neck. They merge with the subclavian veins to form the brachiocephalic veins, which then unite to form the superior vena cava. This large vein delivers deoxygenated blood directly into the heart’s right atrium, initiating its journey to the lungs for oxygenation. The external jugular veins primarily drain blood from the superficial structures of the cranium and deeper portions of the face. This process supports the high oxygen demands of the brain and other head structures.
Why Understanding Jugular Veins Matters
Knowledge about the jugular veins is important in various medical contexts. Their location and function make them relevant for diagnostic and procedural applications. For instance, medical professionals often use the internal jugular vein for inserting central venous catheters. These catheters provide direct access to the central circulatory system for administering medications, fluids, or for monitoring central venous pressure. The right internal jugular vein is frequently chosen for this purpose due to its larger diameter and straighter path to the superior vena cava.
The jugular veins can also offer visual cues about a person’s cardiovascular health, as jugular venous distention (JVD), a visible bulging of the neck veins, may indicate increased pressure in the right side of the heart. This finding may signal underlying conditions such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or fluid overload. While not painful, persistent JVD warrants medical evaluation. Observing these veins helps in assessing a patient’s fluid status and cardiac function. Any self-assessment or interpretation of jugular vein signs should always be followed by a consultation with a healthcare provider.