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transverse cervical vein

A vein that is tributary of the external jugular vein and drains blood from the superficial muscles of the back, mainly the trapezius muscle.

On this page
Type Bone
Parent Structure vein
FMA ID 50858

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the transverse cervical vein?

The transverse cervical vein is a vein that drains blood primarily from the trapezius muscle and other superficial back muscles, serving as a tributary of the external jugular vein.

Where is the transverse cervical vein located?

The transverse cervical vein is located in the posterior triangle of the neck, coursing transversely across the lower neck alongside the transverse cervical artery before joining the external jugular vein.

What is the function of the transverse cervical vein?

The transverse cervical vein is involved in draining deoxygenated blood from the superficial muscles of the upper back and shoulder region, particularly the trapezius, into the external jugular venous system.

What conditions may be associated with the transverse cervical vein?

Neck dissection procedures, lymphadenopathy in the posterior cervical triangle, venous anomalies, or trauma to the neck region may be associated with the transverse cervical vein.

How is the transverse cervical vein examined?

The transverse cervical vein may be assessed through clinical inspection of the posterior neck, Doppler ultrasound of cervical veins, CT or MRI of the neck, or during surgical exploration of the posterior cervical triangle.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:50858 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:8600075 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikipedia — transverse cervical vein Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.