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Internal jugular vein

The internal jugular vein (Latin: vena jugularis interna) is a blood vessel that arises from the junction of two intracranial venous sinuses - the inferior petrosal sinus and the sigmoid sinus. The internal jugular vein collects venous blood from the brain, skull, and superficial parts of the face and neck.

Head and neck veins, Extracranial veins, Superficial neck veins, Deep neck veins, Internal jugular vein, Tributaries, Lateral view
Internal jugular vein (lateral view) by Anatomy.app

The internal jugular vein arises at the cranial base in the jugular foramen. Further, the vein passes inferiorly within the carotid sheath situated anterolateral to the common carotid artery. At the level of the sternoclavicular joint, the internal jugular vein unites with the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein. On its course, the internal jugular vein receives several tributaries, including:

Head and neck veins, Extracranial veins, Superficial neck veins, Deep neck veins, Internal jugular vein, Tributaries zoomed in, Lateral view
Internal jugular vein and its tributaries by Anatomy.app