What is the function of the internal jugular vein?
The function of the internal jugular vein is to collect blood from the skull, brain, superficial parts of the face, and the majority of the neck. The tributaries of the internal jugular include the inferior petrosal sinus, facial, lingual, pharyngeal, superior and middle thyroid, and, occasionally, the occipital vein.
Which veins form the internal jugular vein?
The internal jugular vein is a paired jugular vein that collects blood from the brain and the superficial parts of the face and neck….
| Internal jugular vein | |
|---|---|
| Source | Sigmoid sinus and Inferior petrosal sinus |
| Drains to | brachiocephalic vein |
| Artery | internal carotid, common carotid |
| Identifiers |
Where is the internal jugular vein?
The IJV is located between the clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid. It is accessed best at the apex of the triangle the muscle heads make with the clavicle (see the image below). Neck anatomy showing course of internal jugular vein (IJV).
What is the difference between internal and external jugular veins?
The external jugular vein collects most of the blood from the outside of the skull and the deep parts of the face. It lies outside the sternocleidomastoid muscle and passes down the neck to join the subclavian vein. The internal jugular vein collects blood from the brain, the outside of the face and the neck.
Why is the jugular vein so important?
“The jugular vein is an important body part because it drains deoxygenated blood from the head and the neck,” Ashley tells Mental Floss. “Most important is to drain the brain. If you block the jugular veins, the pressure in the brain goes up.”
What happens when jugular vein is blocked?
Obstruction of blood flow through the internal jugular vein can cause backflow of blood into the brain, increasing intracranial pressure, which can cause serious brain damage if left untreated.
How many internal jugular veins are there?
The internal jugular vein is a major blood vessel that drains blood from important body organs and parts, such as the brain, face, and neck. Anatomically, there are two of these veins that lie along each side of the neck.
What is the internal jugular vein formed by?
It is formed by the union of inferior petrosal and sigmoid dural venous sinuses in or just distal to the jugular foramen (forming the jugular bulb). It descends in the carotid sheath with the internal carotid artery. The vagus nerve (CN X) lies between the two.
How far under the skin is the jugular?
It is inserted through either the internal jugular vein in the neck or the subclavian vein just below the collarbone. It is threaded into the chest wall and emerges from the skin about six inches from where it was inserted.
How do you know if you have internal jugular vein?
The internal jugular vein is located deep to the confluence of the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). More specifically, it is located deep to the clavicular head of the SCM, about one-third of the distance from the medial border to the lateral border of the muscle.
Can you feel internal jugular vein?
The internal jugular vein and external jugular vein run down both sides of your neck. Bulging of these two jugular veins may be accompanied by pain or discomfort.