Veins of the inner ear Diploic and emissary veins Cerebral veins

Veins of the head and neck

The main venous collector, where venous blood from the head and neck collects, is internal jugular vein, v. jugularis interna. It extends from the base of the skull to the supraclavicular fossa, where it merges with the subclavian vein, v. subclavia, forming the brachiocephalic vein, v. brachiocephalica.

The internal jugular vein collects most of the venous blood from the cranial cavity and from the soft tissues of the head and neck organs.

In addition to the internal jugular vein, venous blood also collects from soft tissues of the head and neck external jugular vein, v. jugularis externa.

External jugular vein

External jugular vein, v. jugularis externa (Fig.,), is formed at the level of the angle of the mandible under the auricle by the fusion of two venous trunks: a large anastomosis between the external jugular vein and the mandibular vein, v. retromandibularis, and formed behind auricle posterior auricular vein, v. auricularis posterior.

The external jugular vein from the place of its formation descends vertically down the outer surface sternocleidomastoid muscle, lying directly under the subcutaneous muscle of the neck. Approximately halfway along the length of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, it reaches its posterior edge and follows it; before reaching the clavicle, it penetrates through the superficial fascia of the neck and flows into either the subclavian vein or the internal jugular vein, and sometimes into venous angle– place of confluence v. jugularis interna and v. subclavia. The external jugular vein has valves.

The following veins drain into the external jugular vein.

1. Posterior auricular vein, v. auricularis posterior, collects venous blood from the superficial plexus located behind the auricle. It has a connection with the mastoid emissary vein, v. emissaria mastoidea.
2. Occipital branch, v. occipitalis, collects venous blood from the venous plexus of the head. It flows into the external jugular vein below the posterior auricular vein. Sometimes, accompanying the occipital artery, the occipital vein flows into the internal jugular vein.
3. Suprascapular vein, v. suprascapularis, accompanies the artery of the same name in the form of two trunks, which connect into one trunk, flowing into the terminal section of the external jugular vein or into the subclavian vein.
4. Transverse veins of the neck, vv. transversae cervicis, are companions of the artery of the same name, and sometimes they flow through a common trunk with the suprascapular vein.
5. Anterior jugular vein, v. jugularis anterior, formed from the skin veins of the mental area, directed downward near midline, lying first on the outer surface of the mylohyoid muscle, and then on the anterior surface of the sternothyroid muscle. Above the jugular notch of the sternum, the anterior jugular veins of both sides enter the interfascial suprasternal space and are connected to each other through a well-developed anastomosis - jugular venous arch, arcus venosus jugularis. Then the anterior jugular vein deviates outward and, passing behind m. sternocleidomastoideus, flows into the external jugular vein before it flows into the subclavian vein, less often flows into the subclavian vein.

It may be noted that the anterior jugular veins of both sides sometimes merge to form the median vein of the neck.

Internal jugular vein

Internal jugular vein, v. jugularis interna (Fig.; see Fig. , , ), begins in the jugular foramen of the skull, occupying its most posterior part. The initial section of the vein is slightly expanded - this is superior bulb of the internal jugular vein, bulbus superior v. jugularis. From the bulb, the trunk of the internal jugular vein goes down, adjacent first to the posterior surface of the internal carotid artery, and then to the anterior surface of the external carotid artery.

From level top edge of the larynx, the internal jugular vein on each side is located together with the common carotid artery, a. carotis communis, and with vagus nerve, n. vagus, on the deep muscles of the neck, behind m. sternocleidomastoideus, in the common connective tissue sheath and forms the neurovascular bundle of the neck. In this bundle v. jugularis interna lies laterally, a. carotis communis – medially, n. vagus – between them and behind.

Above the level of the sternoclavicular joint, at the lower end of the internal jugular vein, before it connects with the subclavian vein, an expansion is formed - inferior bulb of the internal jugular vein, bulbus inferior v. jugularis.

In his upper section and at the confluence with the subclavian vein, the bulb has valves.

Behind the sternoclavicular joint, the internal jugular vein merges with the subclavian vein and forms the brachiocephalic vein, v. brachiocephalica. The right internal jugular vein is often more developed than the left.

All branches of the internal jugular vein are divided into intracranial and extracranial.

Intracranial branches

The intracranial branches of the internal jugular vein include: 1) sinuses of the dura meninges, sinus durae matris; 2) veins of the orbit, vv. ophthalmicae; 3) veins inner ear,vv. labyrinthi; 4) diploic veins, vv. diploicae; 5) cerebral veins, vv. cerebri.

Jugular vein

Jugular vein
Jugular veins. The internal jugular vein (large) is clearly visible on the left half of the picture. The external jugular vein is shown on the right (runs superficially). The anterior jugular veins descend vertically on each side of the midline of the neck.
Latin name
Flows into
Catalogs

Jugular veins (venae jugulares) - several paired veins located on the neck and carrying blood away from the neck and head; belong to the superior vena cava system.

Anatomy

There are three pairs of jugular veins:

• Internal jugular vein ( v. jugularis interna) - the largest, is the main vessel carrying blood from the cranial cavity. It is a continuation of the sigmoid sinus of the dura mater and begins from the jugular foramen of the skull with a bulbous extension (superior bulb of the jugular vein, bulbus jugularis superior). Then it descends towards the sternoclavicular joint, being covered in front by the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In the lower parts of the neck, the vein is located in the common connective tissue sheath along with the common carotid artery and vagus nerve, while the vein is located somewhat more superficially and lateral to the artery. Behind the sternoclavicular joint, the internal jugular vein merges with the subclavian vein (here there is an inferior bulb of the jugular vein, bulbus jugularis inferior), forming the brachiocephalic vein.

• External jugular vein ( v. jugularis externa) - smaller in caliber, located in the subcutaneous tissue, runs along the anterior surface of the neck, deviating laterally in the lower sections (crossing the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle approximately at the level of its middle). This vein is well contoured when singing, screaming or coughing, collecting blood from the superficial formations of the head, face and neck; sometimes used for catheterization and insertion medicines. Below it pierces its own fascia and flows into the subclavian vein.

• Anterior jugular vein ( v. jugularis anterior) - small, formed from the saphenous veins of the chin, descending down at some distance from the midline of the neck. In the lower parts of the neck, the right and left anterior jugular veins form an anastomosis called the jugular venous arch ( arcus venosus juguli). The artery then goes under the sternocleidomastoid muscle and usually flows into the external jugular vein.

The following veins drain into the external jugular vein:

• Posterior auricular vein ( v. auricularis posterior), collects venous blood from the superficial plexus located behind the auricle. She has a connection with v. emissaria mastoidea.
• Occipital vein, v. occipitalis, collects venous blood from the venous plexus of the occipital region of the head, which is supplied by the artery of the same name. It drains into the external jugular vein below the posterior auricular vein. Sometimes, accompanying the occipital artery, the occipital vein flows into the internal jugular vein.
• Suprascapular vein ( v. suprascapularis), accompanies the artery of the same name in the form of two trunks, which connect and form one trunk, flowing into the terminal section of the external jugular vein or into the subclavian vein.

Anterior jugular vein ( v. jugularis anterior) is formed from the cutaneous veins of the mental region, from where it is directed downward near the midline, initially lying on the outer surface m. mylohyoideus, and then on the front surface m. sternohyoideus. Above the jugular notch of the sternum, the anterior jugular veins of both sides enter the interfascial suprasternal space, where they are connected to each other through a well-developed anastomosis called the jugular venous arch ( arcus venosus juguli). Then the jugular vein deviates outward and, passing behind m. sternocleidomastoideus, flows into the external jugular vein before it flows into the subclavian vein, less often - into the latter. Alternatively, it can be noted that the anterior jugular veins of both sides sometimes merge to form the median vein of the neck.

Links

Wikimedia Foundation.

2010.

See what “Jugular vein” is in other dictionaries: Cervical vein. The internal jugular vein is a very large paired vein that runs vertically down the side of the neck next to the carotid artery. Collects blood from the head and neck. Behind the sternoclavicular joint it merges... ...

Medical terms Internal jugular vein (v. jugularis interna) - paired large vessel
, begins in the region of the jugular foramen of the skull. It collects blood from the organs of the head and neck, taking the following branches.

1. Sigmoid sinus (sinus sigmoideus) of the dura mater.

2. The cochlear canaliculus vein (v. canaliculi cochleae) begins in the cochlea and flows into the beginning of the jugular vein. 3. Pharyngeal veins (vv. pharyngeae) originate from the pharyngeal plexus. Veins flow into this plexus, auditory tube soft palate

, dura mater of the posterior cranial fossa. 4. The lingual vein (v. lingualis) is a pair, merges from the dorsal and deep veins of the tongue, the sublingual vein and the vein that is a companion to the hypoglossal nerve. At the big horn they merge into one trunk of the lingual vein.

5. The superior thyroid vein (v. thyroidea superior) is steamy, begins with 2-3 trunks from the upper section thyroid gland. The superior thyroid veins anastomose with the veins of the larynx and sternocleidomastoid muscle.

6. The middle thyroid vein (v. thyroidea media) begins with 1-2 trunks from the isthmus of the thyroid gland. Collects venous blood from the thyroid gland and the venous plexus of the neck tissue in the area of ​​the spatium suprasternale.

7. The sternocleidomastoid veins (vv. sternocleidomastoideae), numbering 3-4, flow into the internal jugular vein along its entire length. Anastomose with the branches of the external jugular vein.

8. The superior laryngeal vein (v. laryngea superior) exits through the membrana thyrohyoidea. Often anastomoses with the superior thyroid and sternocleidomastoid veins.

9. The facial vein (v. facialis) accompanies the facial artery. The vein is formed by the fusion of the angular vein, suprafrontal and supraorbital veins. These veins anastomose with the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins. The facial vein also collects blood from the upper and lower eyelids, nose, upper and lower lip, parotid salivary gland, chin and deep facial area. Below the angle of the lower jaw it connects with v. retromandibularis, and then flows into v. jugularis interna.
10. The mandibular vein (v. retromandibularis) is formed from the superficial and middle temporal veins, deep temporal vein, pterygoid plexus, veins parotid gland and temporomandibular joint.

The veins listed are tributaries of the internal jugular vein (v. jugularis interna), having a diameter of 12-20 mm, which expands near the jugular foramen and at the junction with the subclavian vein. The vein wall is thin and therefore collapses easily; there are one or two valves in the lumen. The vein lies lateral to a. carotis interna, a. carotis communis and vagus nerve, surrounded by deep lymph nodes neck. At the level of the sternoclavicular joint, it forms a venous angle (angulus venosus) with the subclavian vein. The ductus thoracicus flows into the left venous angle, and the ductus lymphaticus dexter into the right. The vein is covered in front by m. sternocleidomastoideus.

JUGULAR VEINS (venae jugulares)- paired veins that drain blood from the organs of the head and neck into the brachiocephalic veins, which, in turn, flow into the superior vena cava. The jugular veins collect blood from organs and tissues, the blood supply of which is carried out primarily from the carotid and vertebral artery systems. There is a deeply located, wider internal jugular vein (v. jugularis int.), a superficial external (posterior) jugular vein (v. jugularis ext.) and an anterior jugular vein (v. jugularis ant.). A great contribution to the study of the anatomy of the jugular veins was made by M. A. Tikhomirov, A. S. Vishnevsky, A. N. Maksimenkova V. M. Romankevich and others.

In fish, amphibians and reptiles, blood flows from the head through the anterior cardinal, or jugular, veins. In mammals, in the head and neck area, in addition to deep veins, large saphenous veins, transforming into the external and anterior jugular veins.

In human ontogenesis, the internal jugular veins develop from the anterior sections of the cardinal veins, which are formed in the embryo when the veins of the head merge (vv. capitis). The external and anterior jugular veins are formed later from small vessels in the maxillary and submandibular areas. At the 8th week of development, the left anterior cardinal vein connects with the right cardinal vein through an anastomosis, which subsequently turns into the left brachiocephalic vein. The section of the right cardinal vein from the junction of the right subclavian and internal jugular veins to the indicated anastomosis gives rise to the right brachiocephalic vein.

The internal jugular vein drains blood from the brain and its membranes, the eye and tissues of the orbit, the walls of the skull and the nasal cavity, pharynx, tongue and other organs of the head and neck. It begins in the jugular foramen of the skull, being a continuation of the sigmoid sinus of the dura mater of the brain (color. Fig. 8). Top part the vein has an extension - the superior bulb of the internal jugular vein (bulbus venae jugularis superior).

At the junction with the subclavian vein, the internal jugular vein forms a second, larger extension - the inferior bulb of the internal jugular vein (bulbus venae jugularis inferior). On its way down, the vein passes behind the internal carotid artery, then to the side of it, and in the lower neck - lateral to the common carotid artery. The vagus nerve (n. vagus) is located behind and medial to the vein. The common carotid artery, vagus nerve and internal jugular vein form a neurovascular bundle surrounded by a connective tissue vagina (vagina carotica).

The internal jugular vein has 2-3 valves, one of which is located downward from the inferior bulb of the internal jugular vein. The right internal jugular vein is usually wider than the left. The tributaries of the internal jugular vein are divided into intracranial and extracranial. The first include the sinuses of the dura mater and the cochlear canaliculus vein (v. canaliculi cochleae). Outside the cranial cavity, the pharyngeal veins (vv. pha-ryngeae), meningeal veins (vv. meningeae), lingual vein (v. lingua-lis), superior laryngeal vein (v. laryngea superior), superior and middle thyroid veins flow into the internal jugular vein veins (vv. thyroi-deae superior et medii), sternocleidomastoid veins (vv. sternocleidomastoideae). The diameter of the internal jugular vein, the topography of its tributaries and anastomoses with other jugular veins can vary widely (color fig. 10-11). The superior and inferior extensions of the internal jugular vein are sometimes absent. In the presence of a large anterior jugular vein, the left internal jugular vein has a small diameter. Most often, the internal jugular vein anastomoses in the occipital region with tributaries of the subclavian vein, with the deep veins of the neck and vertebral veins, with the deep and superficial veins of the back. In 1949, A. S. Vishnevsky and A. N. Makeimenkov established that the variants of the internal jugular vein and its tributaries are determined by the degree of restructuring of the primary venous network in the neck.

The external jugular vein is the largest superficial vessel in the neck that drains blood from the skin. subcutaneous tissue and muscles of the occipital and mastoid (posterior) areas of the head, from the tissues of the deep temporal region, face, anterior and posterolateral sections of the neck. The external jugular vein is formed under the auricle at the level of the angle of the mandible at the confluence of the posterior auricular vein (v. auricularis post.), formed from the mastoid emissary vein (v. emissaria mastoidea) and the occipital vein (v. occipitalis), with the mandibular vein (v . retromandibularis). The external jugular vein then runs down the outer surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, located directly under the saphenous muscle of the neck. Approximately in the middle of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein reaches its outer edge and, in the area of ​​the angle formed by the outer edge of this muscle and the clavicle, goes deep under the lower belly of the omohyoid muscle. At this point, the external jugular vein pierces the superficial and pretracheal plates of the cervical fascia and flows into the subclavian vein, or into the internal jugular vein, or into the angle formed by the connection of these veins (venous angle). Along its route, the transverse veins of the neck (vv. transversae colli) and the suprascapular vein (v. suprascapularis), which are formed in the area of ​​branching of the arteries of the same name, flow into the external jugular vein, as well as the anterior jugular vein, which drains blood from the anterior region of the neck ( color fig. 9). In some cases, the external jugular vein has a scattered type of formation, in which the saphenous veins in the neck form a wide-loop network, abundantly anastomosing with the tributaries of the subclavian, internal jugular and other deep veins of the neck. In others, the external as well as the anterior jugular vein are large venous vessels with a small amount anastomoses between them.

The anterior jugular vein is the largest tributary of the external jugular vein. It is formed from the subcutaneous veins of the mental region, anastomosing with the tributaries of the facial vein. Next, the anterior jugular vein runs down the side of the anterior midline of the neck, first along the outer surface of the mylohyoid muscle, and then along the sternohyoid muscle. 3-4 cm above the jugular notch of the sternum, the vein pierces the superficial plate of the cervical fascia, penetrates the suprasternal interfascial space, turns sharply laterally, pierces the pretracheal layer of the cervical fascia and flows into the external jugular vein. The anterior jugular vein rarely flows into the subclavian and brachiocephalic veins. In the suprasternal interfascial space, the right and left anterior jugular veins are connected by a transverse anastomosis, which, together with the distal segments of the anterior jugular veins located in this gap, forms a downward open jugular venous arch (arcus venosus juguli). Sometimes a network-like structure of the anterior jugular vein is observed. In these cases, one or both anterior jugular veins are poorly developed, and superficial veins the anterior region of the neck is represented by numerous thin, abundantly anastomosing venous vessels. Sometimes in front of the neck there is one unpaired (median) vein, which can flow into the right or left external jugular vein, into the subclavian or into the left brachiocephalic vein.

Pathology of the jugular vein

Pathology of the jugular vein includes malformations, diseases and injuries.

Developmental defects. Among the malformations of the jugular veins, ectasia and aneurysms (especially the internal jugular vein), usually caused by a malformation of the vein wall or its valves, are more common. Less commonly, this pathology is associated with extravasal compression of the vein. On congenital pathology Jugular veins are usually the first to be noticed by parents, who notice that when a child cries or screams, a tumor-like formation appears on his neck. This formation also appears or increases with straining, bending the torso forward and quickly disappears or significantly decreases in size when the tension stops or the patient’s torso straightens. On palpation, the tumor-like formation has a soft-elastic consistency and decreases with pressure. Ectasia of the external jugular vein is usually located lateral to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the supraclavicular region; aneurysm of the internal jugular vein is localized medial or under the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

The diagnosis in typical cases can be established already during examination and testing with straining, in which significant bulging of the altered sections of the jugular vein is noted. Special research methods such as ultrasound flowmetry and ultrasound angiography are used (see. Ultrasound diagnostics), allowing, without puncture of the vessel, to determine the diameter of its lumen and the speed of blood flow. Similar information can be obtained with angioscintigraphy after intravenous administration a radiopharmaceutical drug, the radiation of which is recorded using a special gamma camera equipped with a computer device. An increase in the diameter of the vein can also be determined by computed tomography(see Computed tomography) and emission tomography. A detailed topical picture of the lesion can be obtained by phlebography (see). To carry it out, they catheterize according to Seldinger. femoral vein and insert a catheter into the internal jugular vein, but it is also possible to insert a catheter through the subclavian vein (see Puncture catheterization of veins). When performing a straining test, a radiopaque substance is injected and an X-ray of the neck area is performed.

Ectasia or aneurysm of the jugular vein should be differentiated from other vascular lesions - hemangioma (see), lymphangioma (see), arterial or arteriovenous aneurysm (see), pathological tortuosity carotid artery or brachiocephalic trunk. On palpation, these formations have a high density, and a distinct pulsation is noted above the formations of arterial origin. In addition, using ultrasound examination with the listed diseases, partitions or additional inclusions may be detected in the lumen of the pathological focus, and its wall is usually thicker. The diagnosis is clarified using angiography (see). IN differential diagnosis with a lateral neck cyst (see), paraganglioma (see) and lymphadenitis (see), it should be taken into account that these formations do not change their shape when the patient’s body position changes and when straining. On palpation, these formations usually have a high density and there is no pulsation. In doubtful cases, they resort to ultrasound, radioisotope and angiographic studies.

With an increase in the size of the area of ​​ectasia or aneurysm of the jugular vein, caused by irreversible morphol. changes in the vessel wall, as well as in case of danger of complications (thrombosis, rupture of aneurysm) and significant cosmetic defect resort to surgical treatment. Previously, for an aneurysm of the external jugular vein, resection was performed, and for an aneurysm of the internal jugular vein, it was wrapped, lateral excision, or sutured on the vein wall. In the present time, they believe that it is most effective radical surgery- resection of the aneurysm with end-to-end anastomosis. At timely treatment the prognosis is usually favorable.

Diseases. Among acquired diseases, thrombophlebitis (see), thrombosis (see) and secondary occlusion of the jugular vein as a result of compression of the vein or tumor growth into it are of greatest importance.

Thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein can occur with prolonged catheterization of the veins, as well as after acute periphlebitis (see Phlebitis) with tonsillitis (see), otitis (see) or retropharyngeal abscess (see). Patients complain of pain along the vein, sometimes difficulty swallowing. In the case of thrombophlebitis of the external jugular vein, hyperemia of the skin along the vein is noted; upon palpation, a painful compaction is detected in the projection of the vessel. Acute purulent thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein is accompanied by high temperature body, chills. Mobility of the head and neck is limited due to pain and swelling of the tissues of the lateral surface of the neck. Palpation reveals sharp pain along the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The diagnosis is clarified using ultrasound and angioscintigraphy.

Occlusion of the internal jugular vein as a result of gradually increasing thrombosis or compression by a tumor is accompanied by swelling of the corresponding half of the face and neck. Swelling is usually pronounced in the morning and in cases where the patient lies on the affected side. If occlusion of the jugular vein extends to the facial and ophthalmic veins, exophthalmos develops with swelling of the eyelids. Thanks to the developed collateral connections between the internal and external jugular veins, as well as between these veins and the veins of the opposite side of the neck, unilateral occlusion of the internal jugular vein is usually quickly compensated and never leads to severe circulatory disorders. The prognosis is generally determined by the underlying disease.

Treatment of thrombophlebitis of the jugular veins is carried out with anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. At the same time, infusions of rheopolyglucin with trental are indicated, and heparin, venoruton ointments or chirudoid are used topically. The prognosis with timely treatment is usually favorable.

Injuries to the jugular veins - see Blood vessels. If the external jugular vein is damaged, it can be ligated without fear of developing any complications. If the internal jugular vein is damaged, its integrity is restored by applying a vascular suture (see) or, if necessary, part of the vessel is resected and an end-to-end anastomosis is applied. To perform such an intervention, wide mobilization of the vein is necessary. The patient should be in a position with the head adducted as much as possible; The anastomosis is performed with a monofilament thread on an atraumatic needle. Prognosis after technically correctly performed surgical interventions on the jugular veins is usually good.

Bibliography: Vishnevsky A. S. and Maksimenkov A. N. Atlas of peripheral nervous and venous systems, M., 1949; Debt o-S and b at r about in B. A. Anastomoses and ways of roundabout circulation in humans, L., 1956; Pokrovsky A. V. Clinical angiology, M., 1979; Romankevich V. M. Differences in the structure of the external jugular veins, Sat. scientific works Bashkirsk. honey. Institute, vol. 11, p. 107, Ufa, 1959; Tikhomirov M. A. Variants of arteries and veins human body in connection with the morphology of the blood vessels vascular system, Kyiv, 1900; Private surgery of heart and vascular diseases, ed. V. I. Burakovsky and S. A. Kolesnikov, M., 1967; Venous problems, ed. by J. J. Bergan a. J. S. T. Yao, Chicago-L., 1978.

A. V. Pokrovsky (pathology), M. P. Sapin (an.).

The jugular vein is a significant paired vessel of the circulatory system, passing through the human neck.

Divided by internal, external And front. The main functions are to collect blood from the soft parts of the head and neck. Each of the jugular veins has a different location, structure and diameter. However, they all refer to circulatory system superior vena cava. Let's take a closer look at the anatomy of each of these venous vessels.

Extends from the base cranium and reaches the supraclavicular fossa. In this region, the internal jugular vein merges with the subclavian vein, with which it directly forms the brachiocephalic venous vessel. Most of the blood coming from the soft tissues of the head, skull and cervical organs enters this vein, so it has an important functional value. A vessel with a large diameter arises from the sigmoid sinus of the meninges (dura).

The internal jugular vein originates at the opening of the skull, expanding in the shape of a bulb and descending to the sternoclavicular joint. It is covered in front by the mastoid muscle. In the zone lower section of the neck, together with the vagus nerve and the common carotid artery, it is located in the common connective tissue vagina. The internal jugular vein runs lateral to the arterial canal and lies more superficially. The vessel has a bulbous extension both at its beginning and at the end behind the sternoclavicular joint.

External jugular vein

It begins under the auricle, opposite the angle of the lower jaw, going down along the sternocleidomastoid muscle, in particular along its outer surface. Further, it lies in the thickness of the subcutaneous muscle of the neck. Reaching the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein penetrates the superficial fascia of the neck. In this area it flows into one of the following vessels:

• internal jugular vein;
• subclavian vein;
• venous angle.

The external jugular vein is formed by two large venous trunks. The first one is an anastomosis of the external jugular and mandibular vein, and the second is the posterior auricular vessel passing behind the concha.

Unlike the internal vein, the external jugular vein has valves and branches. They depart from it:

• posterior auricular vein;
• occipital branch;
• suprascapular vein;
• transverse veins of the neck;
• anterior jugular vein.

The posterior auricle receives blood from the superficial plexus, which is located behind the auricle. This vessel also has a connection with the emissary and mastoid veins.

The occipital branch receives blood from the venous plexus of the head. Below the posterior auricular vein it enters the external jugular vein. In rare cases, the occipital vein accompanies the arterial canal and continues into the internal jugular vein.

The suprascapular venous vessel consists of two trunks, which unite and flow into the subclavian vein or into the last section of the external jugular vein.

The transverse canals of the neck accompany the artery of the same name and most often enter the main vein along with the suprascapular trunk and the occipital branch.

Anterior jugular vein is a bloodstream formed by cutaneous veins passing in the chin area. Heading to the bottom passing near the midline of the neck. Initially, the vein lies on outer surface mylohyoid muscle, and then moves along the anterior part of the sternothyroid muscle. The vessel is paired and passes on both sides of the neck, entering the sternal space and connecting there into one blood channel through the jugular venous arch. After the anterior jugular vein passes behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle, it enters the external jugular vein and then the subclavian vein.

The vessel originates in the jugular cranial foramen, filling a significant part of its posterior space. Initially, the vein has a significant diameter - the superior bulbous extension. Then it narrows and moves down, coming into contact with back surface internal carotid artery, and then with the anterior wall of the external carotid artery. At the upper edge of the larynx, this paired blood channel runs on both sides of the neck, accompanying the common carotid artery. Together with the vagus nerve, the internal jugular vein forms a neurovascular bundle located in the common connective tissue sheath.

Above the sternoclavicular joint, the vessel expands again. Here, at the level of the edge of the external jugular vein, there is the inferior bulb of the internal jugular vein. In the upper section, the vein has valves, merges with the subclavian, resulting in the formation of the brachiocephalic venous canal.

The right-sided internal jugular vein is in most cases more developed than the left-sided one. Both vessels give off branches, which are divided into extracranial and intracranial.