Brachiocephalic Vein: Structure, Function & Diseases

The brachiocephalic vein is a blood vessel in the human body. It is located in the chest area. In it, blood is transported from the head, neck, and arms to the heart.

What is the brachiocephalic vein?

The brachiocephalic vein belongs to the vessels of the blood circulation. In the human organism, arteries and veins are distinguished from each other. Venous blood flows in the brachiocephalic vein, which is considered to be less oxygenated. It is part of the human supply system, as it transports important messenger and nutrient substances. Through the interconnectedness of the various veins within the organism, the transport substances reach their destination from their point of origin in the shortest possible time. The brachiocephalic vein is located in the thorax. The messenger substances in it travel from the head, neck and upper extremity to the heart. The brachiocephalic vein is a paired body vein. It is divided into the brachiocephalic vein dextra and the brachiocephalic vein sinistra. The brachiocephalic vein is also known as the angle of the vein. Physicians also refer to it as the anonyma vein. It is a place of connection where several bodily nerves flow. They flow together from different directions of the head in the upper part of the thorax. Blood from all other venous conduits is received by the brachiocephalic vein and transported further to the heart.

Anatomy and structure

The brachiocephalic vein is known as the venous angle. At this point in the human organism, various venous blood conduits from the left and right sides of the body converge. These are the jugular vein vena jugularis interna and the subclavian vein vena subclavia. In their previous course, they have already absorbed the blood of other veins. If this is not the case for anatomical reasons, the upstream veins open directly into the venous angle. Thus, the venous angle is an important collection point in the vascular system. All of the blood from the upper half of the body pools in the thoracic cage and is passed through the brachiocephalic vein. The brachiocephalic vein divides right and left for this purpose. The brachiocephalic vein dextra is located in the right area and originates from the right sternoclavicular joint. This is a connection between the sternoclavicular and the clavicle. The brachiocephalic vein dextra takes in the vertebral vein, the inferior thyroid vein, and the internal thoracic vein as it continues its course. On the left side is the brachiocephalic sinistra vein. It originates from the left sternoclavicular joint and is slightly longer. It receives blood from the vertebral vein, internal mammary vein, inferior thyroid vein, and intercostal vein in its further course.

Function and Tasks

The function of the brachiocephalic vein is to carry venous blood from the upper body to the heart. It receives blood from various veins and carries it onward. The brachiocephalic vein originates from the venous angle. This is an important point in the vascular system because it is where the junction of the cervical and cephalic veins occurs. The two largest veins of the head and neck join at the thoracic entrance and become the brachiocephalic vein. Thus, all blood from the head, neck, and arms flows into the brachiocephalic vein. From there, it is transported to the right heart. The brachiocephalic vein is divided into the left and right veins of the head and arms. This means that from the clavicle on the right and left side the vessels for blood transport are formed. The brachiocephalic vein has the task of transporting the outflowing venous blood to the heart. It contains important messenger and nutrient substances. In addition, dead cells of the organs are transported away. Venous blood is particularly low in oxygen and therefore, when externally supplied by a medical professional, it can quickly transport messenger and nutrient substances to the heart. Veins have a thinner vessel wall than arteries. Therefore, they are a popular choice for delivering messengers during surgical procedures. In addition, they are also particularly helpful when blood is to be drawn.

Diseases

The brachiocephalic vein is located upstream of the heart. This means that various pathogens such as germs, viruses or bacteria often reach the heart through it as a last resort. Under certain circumstances, they can spread further there. If this happens, the heart muscle may be impaired. Its activity is particularly important and has a life-sustaining function.If it suffers lesions or functional restrictions, the organism can no longer be supplied with sufficient blood. As soon as the heart stops working, a life-threatening condition exists. If heart muscle inflammation occurs, sufferers feel what is known as heart pain. This is a stabbing pain in the heart and breathing is difficult or slackened. In addition, there is a risk of a heart attack. This can also be fatal. Here the coronary vessels are damaged and cause complications. When a tumor forms in the organism, cells of the tumor can reach other places via the bloodstream. This means that they also have the possibility to be transported directly to the heart via the brachiocephalic vein. Cancer cells have the property that they can form new metastases elsewhere in the body. There is no preference or aversion of cancer cells for further spread. Therefore, it is possible for a body present in the organism to spread further via the brachiocephalic vein.