GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The course of the internal jugular vein is directed caudally in the carotid sheath, accompanied by the vagus nerve posteriorly and the common carotid artery anteromedially. It lies just lateral and anterior to the internal and common carotid arteries.

Detailed explanation-2: -Within the sheath, the IJV lies lateral to the common carotid artery and the vagus nerve. The IJV ends posteriorly to the sternal end of the clavicle by merging with the ipsilateral subclavian vein and forming the brachiocephalic (innominate) vein.

Detailed explanation-3: -The tributaries of the internal jugular include the inferior petrosal sinus, facial, lingual, pharyngeal, superior and middle thyroid, and, occasionally, the occipital vein.

Detailed explanation-4: -They each rest beside the thyroid gland at the center of the neck, just above the collarbone and near the trachea, or windpipe. These veins functions to carry oxygen-depleted blood from the brain, face, and neck, and transport it to the heart through the superior vena cava.