The subclavian vein is a deep vein and a major blood vessel that receives deoxygenated blood from the upper limb and shoulder. It is found at the root of the neck below the clavicle. The subclavian vein arises at the outer (lateral) border of the first rib as a direct continuation of the axillary vein.

After the subclavian vein originates, it crosses the superior surface of the first rib, going within the groove for the subclavian vein, which is found anterior to the scalene tubercle. The vein continues to go in the medial direction posterior to the clavicle toward the sternal notch. After it crosses the medial border of the anterior scalene muscle and reaches the posterior aspect of the sternoclavicular joint, it joins with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein (Read more!).

The subclavian vein travels anterior to the subclavian artery, and both are separated by the anterior scalene muscle. The superior and anterior aspects of the vein are related to the subclavius muscle that stretches below the clavicle. The phrenic nerve is usually located posterior to the vein.

The main tributaries of the subclavian vein are as follows:

External jugular vein (Read more!)
Dorsal scapular vein
Anterior jugular veins (occasionally)

The angle at which the subclavian vein unites with the internal jugular vein is termed the venous angle. It is a site that receives the two most important lymphatic ducts, draining the lymph into the venous system.

Sometimes these ducts can drain directly into the subclavian veins instead of venous angles. In that case, the right subclavian vein receives the right lymphatic duct, while the left subclavian vein drains the thoracic duct (the right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper quadrant of the body - the right side of the head and neck, thorax and the entire right upper limb; the thoracic duct collects lymph from the rest of the body).

To sum up, the subclavian vein drains venous blood from the upper extremity and the pectoral (shoulder) girdle.

Unlock with Premium

Subclavian vein