The external jugular vein is a superficial vein of the neck that is formed within the tissue of the parotid gland (or below it) at the level of the mandibular angle by the union of the posterior auricular vein (Read more!) and the posterior division of the retromandibular vein (Read more!).

At first, the vein is found at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Further, it descends in the posterior direction, obliquely crossing the external surface of the sternocleidomastoid. Once the vein reaches the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, it continues to descend, going along with the mentioned border.

The sternocleidomastoid and the external jugular vein are separated by the investing (superficial) layer of the deep cervical fascia. Once the external jugular vein reaches the root of the neck, it penetrates the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia and most commonly drains into the subclavian vein (Read more!). It happens near the middle third of the clavicle.

The external jugular vein is located deep to the platysma, superficial cervical fascia, and the skin. When crossing the outer surface of the sternocleidomastoid, it travels parallel to the greater auricular nerve of the cervical plexus.

Sometimes a person can have two instead of one external jugular vein. Additionally, the external jugular vein has a valve at its terminal end, preventing venous blood backflow into the external jugular vein from the subclavian vein.

The main tributaries of the external jugular vein include the following veins:

Anterior jugular vein (occasionally; in less than 50% of cases)
Posterior external jugular vein
Transverse cervical veins
Suprascapular vein

Overall, the external jugular vein collects deoxygenated blood mainly from the superficial structures of the scalp and face. However, it also receives venous blood from deeper structures located within the neck and scapular region.

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External jugular vein