What is the anatomy of the jugular vein?

The Anatomy of Jugular Veins 1 Anatomy. The jugular veins are paired right and left. There are four main jugular veins, two internal and two external. 2 Function. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins carry blood toward the heart. 3 Clinical Significance. The internal and external jugular veins both have clinical significance.

What are the side effects of jugular vein distention?

Below is a list of possible complications associated with jugular vein distention when the condition goes untreated. Arrhythmia. Circulation problems. Memory loss. Liver and kidney problems. Weakness and fatigue. Need for heart transplant.

What causes excess blood in the jugular vein?

This occurs when the valve separating the right atrium and the right ventricle becomes stiff. It may be unable to open enough to let blood flow so it backs up in the atrium, thus causing excess blood in the veins, including the jugular vein.

How to check jugular vein pressure in the neck?

Observe the pulsations in the right side of the neck while timing the carotid artery pulse on the left side of the neck with the examiners right third finger Observe if both the left and right jugular veins distend at approximately the same degree of elevation during the same phase of respiration

Where does deoxygenated blood go after the jugular vein?

There is a pair of internal jugular veins (right and left) and a pair of external jugular veins. They are the main path for deoxygenated blood returning from the cranium back to the heart.

What happens if the jugular vein is left untreated?

Obstruction of blood flow through the internal jugular vein can cause backflow of blood into the brain, increasing intracranial pressure, which can cause serious brain damage if left untreated. Veins carry deoxygenated blood from organs, muscles, and other structures back to the heart.

When do you need A jugular venous exam?

The jugular venous exam is an important aspect of assessing a patient’s volume status, especially in patients with heart failure, liver failure and kidney failure. Both elevation of the neck veins and the variations of the neck vein waveforms share valuable information about a patient’s diagnosis.