Anatomy of Veins of Neck in a Nutshell

Anatomy of Veins of Neck in a Nutshell

Sternocleidomastoid: divides the region into 2 triangles

• From sternum/clavicle to insert at mastoid bone
• Creates large posterior triangle
  • External jugular vein goes into the medial/inferior portion to join the internal jugular vein
  • Cranial nerve XI (accessory nerve) passes across the middle
• Anterior triangle
  • Anterior jugular vein drains this triangle
  • Venous drainage may be variable (pass deep/superficial to SCM)

Veins of the head/neck

• Retromandibular vein
  • Vein courses posterior to mandible
  • Unpaired (no artery)
  • Formed by maxillary veins (usually 2) and the superficial temporal vein

1. 1. • Superficial temporal vein descends along lateral side of head and joins with 2 maxillary veins to form the retromandibular vein →
      • From this point, it is joined by posterior auricular vein to form the external jugular vein

• • • External jugular vein will then join with internal jugular vein

• • Difficult to find until remove the mandible
• Internal jugular vein
  • Right beneath the SCM & deep to investing fascia
  • Contained within carotid sheath
  • Inferior bulb of the internal jugular vein

1. 1. • Slight dilation of the vein
      • At the inferior part of the vein

• • • Contains a valve that is positioned in such a way that it prevents the backflow of blood into head/neck.

• The venous channels in the head with the exception of the inferior bulb have no valves.

• • Clinically relevant: hypertension may lead to swollen veins
  • Spread of infection/thromboses → from face to deeper areas/the brain

• • Above the corner of the mouth: infection more likely to go to the brain

• Facial vein
  • Drains the face in many patterns
  • Paired with facial artery
  • Drains into external jugular through superficial branch
  • Also has deep branches on inside of mandible → drain to internal jugular
  • Thus, as this vein reaches corner of mandible, some drainage is to internal jugular, some is to external jugular.
  • Facial vein may hook up with retromandibular as well
• Pathways:
  • Superficial + maxillary = retromandibular vein
  • Posterior auricular + retromandibular = external jugular vein
  • External jugular + internal jugular = still internal jugular

1. 1. • Occurs right near jugular bulb
      • Still have short segment before union with subclavian vein
      • External jugular vein cuts across the SCM and into the posterior triangle.
      • Occasionally have more than one External jugular vein.

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Also read:

1. Blood Vessels and Lymphatics of the Head and Neck @ TeachMeAnatomy
2. Practice Anatomy tests for free!
3. Best Anatomy books for Medical students
4. Best Anatomy websites & journals
5. Anatomy syllabus in (CBME) in India
6. Anatomy syllabus in Russia & Other CIS
7. Anatomy syllabus in China

Also Watch:

• Veins of the Head and Neck @ Meditay