What it means
Each internal jugular vein runs down the side of the neck beside the carotid artery and joins the subclavian vein; the blood then flows into the superior vena cava and the right atrium. The right internal jugular is a common site for a central venous catheterSEN-trul VEE-nus KATH-uh-terAn IV catheter whose tip sits in a large vein near the heart, used for long-term drugs, fluids, nutrition or blood draws.Full entry . The jugular veins are also looked at to judge the pressure in the right side of the heart (jugular venous distention).
At a glance
| Also written | internal jugular veins |
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Related terms
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
central venous catheter
An IV catheter whose tip sits in a large vein near the heart, used for long-term drugs, fluids, nutrition or blood draws.