What is the jugular vein?
The jugular vein is called the internal jugular vein. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a large vein that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.
What it is
- A large vein that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.
- One of the largest veins above the heart.
- Its collapse or filling reflects the pressure in the right atrium.
Where it is
- Runs down each side of the neck.
- Alongside the common carotid artery and vagus nerve within the carotid sheath.
- Joins the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.
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Last verified: 2026-07-18
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