Vein · Head & neck
Jugular Veins
The jugular veins are the large veins in the neck that drain blood from the head and brain back towards the heart.
What it is
The jugular veins run down each side of the neck, returning blood from the head and brain.
Where it runs
Each side of the neck, alongside the carotid arteries.
What it does
Drain oxygen-poor blood from the brain, face and neck back towards the heart.
When things go wrong
Common problems affecting the jugular veins
- Raised jugular pressure (a sign doctors look for in heart failure)
- Blood clots (uncommon)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain, sudden breathlessness, or stroke symptoms (FAST) are emergencies — call 999.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
Doctors assess the level of the jugular vein in the neck as a clue to how well the heart is coping.
Answers
Jugular Veins: frequently asked questions
What do the jugular veins do?
They drain blood from the head and brain back towards the heart.
Related vessels
Other vein
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Blood and the circulatory system
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- British Heart Foundation — how the heart works
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