External jugular vein

Anatomy and course

The external jugular vein begins at the level of the mandibular angle, just below the parotid gland. It arises from the confluence of the posterior division of the retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein. It then descends obliquely downwards along the neck, deep to the platysma, the superficial cervical fascia and the skin. It courses superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, being separated from it by the deep cervical fascia. Along its course, the external jugular vein crosses the transverse cutaneous nerve, lying parallel with the great auricular nerve. It maintains this relation until it reaches the midpoint of the clavicle, where it crosses the deep cervical fascia and ends in the subclavian vein, lateral or anterior to scalenus anterior muscle.

Besides the posterior division of the retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein, the external jugular vein also receives the cervical, suprascapular and anterior jugular veins as tributaries near its termination. Occasionally, it is also joined by the occipital vein and a branch from the internal jugular vein. The function of the external jugular vein is to drain the venous blood from the superficial parts of the scalp and face, as well as several deeper regions of the head.