Vessel
Brachiocephalic veins
The paired venous trunks joining upper-body drainage
High-yield
The left brachiocephalic vein crosses the upper mediastinum; there is no equivalent long transverse course on the right.
Overview
Each brachiocephalic vein forms where the internal jugular and subclavian veins meet. The right vessel has a short descent; the longer left vessel crosses behind the manubrium and in front of the aortic arch branches. They unite on the right to form the SVC.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Internal jugular–subclavian union near each sternoclavicular joint
- Course
- Short right descent and longer left-to-right passage anterior to the arch branches
- Branches
- Vertebral, internal thoracic, thyroid and mediastinal tributaries; superior intercostal drainage is asymmetric and variable
- Supplies
- Return blood from the head, neck, upper limbs and portions of the thorax
- Drains to
- Join to form the superior vena cava near the first right costal cartilage
Clinical correlation
Thrombosis or external compression can redirect blood into thoracic collateral veins. The left vein's course also places it close to structures encountered in upper mediastinal operations.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the brachiocephalic veins originate?
The brachiocephalic veins arise from the internal jugular–subclavian union near each sternoclavicular joint.
What do the brachiocephalic veins supply?
The brachiocephalic veins supply the return blood from the head, neck, upper limbs and portions of the thorax.
Where do the brachiocephalic veins drain to?
The brachiocephalic veins drain to the join to form the superior vena cava near the first right costal cartilage.
What are the branches of the brachiocephalic veins?
Vertebral, internal thoracic, thyroid and mediastinal tributaries; superior intercostal drainage is asymmetric and variable.