Jugular Veins

The jugular veins are veins that bring deoxygenated blood from the head back to the heart via the superior vena cava.

There are two sets of jugular veins: external and internal. Both connect to the brachocephalic veins, the external jugular joining more laterally than the internal. The brachicephalic veins then join the subclavian veins from both sides then join to form the superior vena cava.

Above the heart, locate the right and left internal and external jugular veins, Both jugulars lie laterally to the carotid arteries. Veins have thinner walls and a larger lumen than arteries.