The external jugular vein is a vein in the neck of humans. It is also called the external jugular vein. Its course is vertical along the neck.
What is the external jugular vein?
The external jugular vein is one of the blood vessels in humans. Venous blood is transported in it. It is associated with the central nervous system. It is an external jugular vein that flows vertically on the neck. Physicians refer to it as a ventral course. The external jugular vein transports blood from the face and down the neck. It is located on both sides of the neck and is therefore paired. In many people, the external jugular vein can be easily palpated on the neck and can be seen without further contrast. Even slight pressure applied to the neck with the fingers can easily congest the blood in it. The jugular vein externa is prone to the formation of venous thrombosis. Jugular vein thrombosis occurs in the so-called jugular veins in the neck of humans. Jugular veins are veins where blood flow can be throttled. When the person is lying down or when the head is bent backwards, the jugular vein externa is well filled. If, on the other hand, the body is in a sitting or standing position, the vein is practically empty. Thus, the external jugular vein is a blood vessel whose filling level is considered variable.
Anatomy and structure
The veins of the human neck are divided into superficial and deep jugular veins. The superficial veins include the external jugular vein and the anterior jugular vein. The deep neck veins are divided into the internal jugular vein, the subclavian vein, and the vertebral vein. The external jugular vein, internal jugular vein, and anterior vein are further referred to as jugular veins. The external jugular vein begins its course at the parotid gland. This is referred to as the parotid gland. The occipital vein is located there, and its blood flows into the external jugular vein. Likewise, the blood of the posterior auricular vein flows epifascially into the external jugular vein. During its perpendicular course, it also connects with the retromandibular vein and the facial vein. The external jugular vein joins the internal jugular vein and the angle of the vein. The latter is formed by the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein. For part of its path, the external jugular vein runs parallel to the great auricular nerve.
Function and Tasks
The function of the external jugular vein is to transport venous blood. This is carried away from the deeper parts of the face and neck organs by the external jugular vein. Via the blood, various messenger and nutrient substances are transported from their place of origin to their destination. These substances include oxygen, hormones, blood plasma or transmitters. They supply the surrounding organs and ensure that the nutrients reach their destinations. There they enter the membrane of the organ and can exert their effect. The blood vessels in the human organism represent a very fast transport pathway. The large number and the various branches in the body make it possible for absorbed nutrients to reach their site of action often in just a few seconds or minutes. In addition, the jugular vein impulse is perceived at the jugular vein externa. In people who have lost consciousness, the external jugular vein is used to check whether the heart is continuing to supply the organism with blood by applying finger pressure. Due to its position, the external jugular vein is more easily accessible for this procedure than the heart. No clothing needs to be removed from accident victims to know how strong the cardiac impulse is present. This is an important procedure in emergency care after a life-threatening situation. In addition, veins are used in supplying humans with important additional messengers within surgical procedures. Their vessel wall is thinner and therefore easier to penetrate than that of arteries.
Diseases
The external jugular vein is a site of origin for a condition called jugular thrombosis. In this disease, a blood clot forms in the vein. This leads to blood stasis within the vessel. This can result in impaired consciousness or a feeling of tension. If the clot enlarges, a vein occlusion occurs. The result is that the wall of the vein gives way. It ruptures and venous blood escapes.The hemorrhages can have other consequences besides loss of consciousness. Various dysfunctions of surrounding organs occur. There is swelling of the neck, difficulty swallowing, and phonotonia is impaired. In addition, headache, fever, or a lump formation on the neck are possible symptoms. In severe cases, jugular thrombosis is fatal. This can happen when the clot breaks loose and is transported to other organs such as the lungs. Not only nutrients and messenger substances are transported via the blood. If a tumor has formed in the organism, there is a possibility that cells will detach from it. They then travel to any other place in the body via the bloodstream. Regardless of where they come from, they can form new cancer cells and metastasize at any other site. Therefore, the external jugular vein can be responsible for spreading cancer.
