External jugular vein

A major vein that drains blood from the head and neck.

The external jugular vein is a prominent blood vessel that collects deoxygenated blood from the superficial structures of the head and neck, as well as parts of the face. It primarily drains blood from the scalp and certain areas of the face, helping to return it back to the heart. The vein is well-defined and can often be seen conspicuously on the surface of the neck.

Terminologia Anatomica

vena-jugularis-externa

System

Circulatory system

Function

The external jugular vein plays a critical role in the circulatory system by facilitating the return of deoxygenated blood from the head and neck to the heart. It is crucial for maintaining proper blood flow and pressure in these regions, making it integral for overall bodily function. The vein helps to regulate blood volume in the thoracic cavity, influencing cardiac output and ensuring the efficient removal of metabolic waste from the notoriously active tissues of the head, such as the brain and facial muscles. By transporting blood that is low in oxygen back toward the heart, the external jugular vein also participates in the larger process of oxygen redistribution throughout the body, wherein the heart replenishes oxygen levels through respiration in the lungs.

Location

The external jugular vein is located on the lateral aspect of the neck. It begins near the angle of the mandible, where it is formed by the union of several smaller veins, such as the posterior auricular vein and the retromandibular vein, which drain areas behind the ear and the jaw, respectively. As it descends, the external jugular vein runs superficially, lying just beneath the skin and in front of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It crosses over this muscle and travels down the neck, eventually draining into the subclavian vein, which connects the upper extremities to the heart.

Did You Know?

The external jugular vein can often be seen more prominently when a person is straining, such as during heavy lifting or intense physical activity.
Variations in the anatomy of the external jugular vein exist, with some individuals having a double external jugular vein or varied drainage patterns.
In certain medical procedures, the external jugular vein can be used for venous access due to its accessibility and size.