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AnatomyHead and neckNeckAnterior jugular vein
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AnatomyHead and neckNeckAnterior jugular vein

Anterior jugular vein

Author: Jana Vasković, MD • Reviewer: Francesca Salvador, MSc
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Neurovasculature and lymph nodes of the neck [25:23]
Arteries, veins, nerves and lymph nodes of the neck.
Anterior jugular vein (Vena jugularis anterior)

The anterior jugular vein is a paired blood vessel that drains the anterior aspect of the neck. It emerges from the confluence of the superficial submandibular veins beneath the chin and drains into the external jugular vein. Less frequently, it may drain directly into the subclavian vein.

On its way down the neck, the anterior jugular vein receives three sets of tributaries; laryngeal, small thyroid and inferior thyroid veins.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the anterior jugular vein.

Key facts about the anterior jugular vein
Drains from Confluence of superficial submandibular veins
Tributaries Laryngeal, small thyroid, inferior thyroid veins
Drains to External jugular vein (occasionally subclavian vein)
Drainage area Anterior compartment of neck
Contents
  1. Anatomy and course
  2. Sources
+ Show all

Anatomy and course

External jugular vein
Vena jugularis externa
1/3
Synonyms: none

The anterior jugular vein arises from the confluence of the superficial submandibular veins. Its origin is located near the hyoid bone, approximately 1 centimeter lateral to the midline of the neck. The vein takes an inferior course down the neck, passing between the midline of the neck and the anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In the upper half of the neck, the anterior jugular vein receives a small portion of blood from the larynx and thyroid gland via the laryngeal and small thyroid veins.

In the lower half of the neck, the anterior jugular vein turns laterally, reaching the space between the deep surface of the sternocleidomastoid and superficial surfaces of the infrahyoid muscles. Here, each anterior jugular vein gives off a branch towards its contralateral counterpart, comprising the jugular (transverse) venous arch just above the jugular notch of sternum. The inferior thyroid veins empty into the jugular venous arch. The main trunk of the vein remains beneath the sternocleidomastoid where it drains into the external jugular vein. Occasionally, the vein can drain directly into the subclavian vein.

Explore our articles, quizzes, video tutorials and labelled diagrams to learn everything about the blood vessels of the neck.

Neurovasculature of the neck Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergmans comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • Anterior jugular vein (Vena jugularis anterior) - Yousun Koh

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