External jugular vein: clinical significance of variations in formation and course: a case report

Abstract

Knowledge of varying patterns of formation and termination of external jugular vein is not only important for anatomists but also for surgeons operating at this level and interventional radiologists who perform transjugular procedures. Two different variations related to formation and communications of external jugular vein were observed during routine dissection for the first MBBS students in the Department of Anatomy at Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Chalakka, Ernakulum in two different cadavers. The external jugular vein had a communicating channel with cephalic vein which traversed superficial to the clavicle on right side and in second cadaver the right external jugular vein was formed by union of undivided retromandibular vein with posterior auricular vein. Knowing the venous patterns in neck region is of paramount importance in order to avoid unnecessary bleeding during surgical procedures.