Where is the jugular vein?

The jugular vein is a large vein that carries blood from the head and neck back to the heart. There are two jugular veins in the body, one on each side, called the internal jugular vein and the external jugular vein.

The internal jugular vein is located within the neck, and it is the larger of the two jugular veins. It begins in the skull and runs down the neck alongside the carotid artery. It drains blood from the brain, face, and neck, and empties into the subclavian vein, which then empties into the superior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the upper body to the heart.

The external jugular vein is located on the surface of the neck and is the smaller of the two jugular veins. It begins in the scalp and runs down the side of the neck. It drains blood from the scalp and face and empties into the subclavian vein.

Both jugular veins are important in the circulatory system, and any issue or malfunction in the jugular veins can lead to serious health problems. The jugular veins can also be used for medical procedures such as taking blood samples or placing a catheter for cardiac procedures.


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