Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire
Published on: December 23, 2014
Two different variants of the jugulocephalic vein with supraclavicular course
1Medical Course, Medical School, Jeju National University, Jeju-Do, Korea, Republic Of.
Insights
Two cases of a rare jugulocephalic vein variant were found in Korean male cadavers. This anatomical variation, with a supraclavicular course, may pose clinical risks during procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- The jugulocephalic anastomosis is an embryonic vascular structure that typically atrophies.
- Anatomical variations can impact clinical procedures and patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Two instances of the jugulocephalic vein variant were identified in Korean male cadavers.
- One case involved the right cephalic vein with a supraclavicular course, draining into both the external jugular and axillary veins.
- The second case featured the left cephalic vein with a supraclavicular course, draining solely into the external jugular vein.
Findings:
- The study identified a rare anatomical variant: the jugulocephalic vein with a supraclavicular course.
- This variant was observed in two Korean male cadavers, differing in drainage patterns.
- The findings highlight the persistence of an embryonic vascular connection.
Implications:
- Awareness of this jugulocephalic vein variant is crucial for clinicians.
- The supraclavicular course of this variant may lead to unexpected complications during surgical or interventional procedures.
- Further research into the frequency and embryological basis of this variant is warranted.
Abstract:
The jugulocephalic anastomosis is a rare anatomical variant which normally undergoes atrophy during embryonic development. We found 2 cases of the jugulocephalic vein variant with supraclavicular course in Korean male cadavers. In a 50-year-old cadaver, the right cephalic vein ascended anterior to the clavicle, and terminated into the external jugular vein as well as to the axillary vein through a classic branch. In a 76-year-old cadaver, the left cephalic vein ascended supraclavicular course without any branch to the axillary vein, and terminated to the external jugular vein. We discussed the embryological explanation as well as its frequency since this jugulocephalic vein variant could cause unpredicted danger during clinical procedures.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Histone Variants at the Centromere
01:17Veins
Structure of Veins:
The structure of veins is specifically designed to assist in the low-pressure transportation of...
01:19Veins of Thorax
The azygos vein, positioned just right of the midline and anterior to the vertebral column, begins at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, terminating in the superior vena cava. This vein drains blood from the right side of the thoracic wall, thoracic viscera, and posterior abdominal wall.
The...
01:15Veins of Lower Limbs
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the...
01:10Veins as Blood Reservoirs
01:11Overview of Systemic Veins
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the...