external jugular vein

The external jugular vein (EJV) drains the head, face and part of the scapular region.

Gross anatomy

Origin

The posterior division of the retromandibular vein and posterior auricular vein unite within the parotid gland to form the external jugular vein, at the angle of the mandible.

Course

It courses inferiorly in the subcutaneous anterolateral neck, deep to platysma but superficial to sternocleidomastoid, before piercing the deep cervical fascia (usually) posterior to the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid. Here it drains directly into the subclavian vein.

Tributaries

• anterior jugular vein
• posterior external jugular vein
• suprascapular vein
• transverse cervical vein

A handy mnemonic to recall these is PAST.

Siehe auch:

• Vena jugularis interna
• Vena jugularis