JUGULAR VEINS Meaning and
Definition
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Jugular veins, also known as the internal jugular veins, refer to a pair of large blood vessels that are situated on each side of the neck. They are part of the extensive network of veins that form the circulatory system and are an essential component of the overall cardiovascular system.
The jugular veins play a crucial role in the transportation of deoxygenated blood from the head and neck regions back to the heart. They are responsible for carrying the blood from the brain, face, and neck towards the superior vena cava, the largest vein in the body that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart.
The jugular veins are characterized by their proximity to the surface of the neck, making them easily accessible for medical procedures involving venous access, such as intravenous therapy and blood draws. They can be identified as prominent, pulsating, and flexible vessels that are usually visible when an individual's head is turned to the opposite side. These distinctive features enable healthcare professionals to utilize the jugular veins for assessments related to blood pressure, central venous pressure, and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Pathological conditions affecting the jugular veins can lead to significant health issues. Blockages or obstructions within these veins can hinder blood flow, potentially resulting in complications such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or heart failure. Additionally, the jugular veins can exhibit visible distention or swelling in certain medical conditions, indicating increased venous pressure or fluid retention.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for JUGULAR VEINS
- jugular ve in
- hugular veins
- nugular veins
- mugular veins
- kugular veins
- iugular veins
- uugular veins
- jygular veins
- jhgular veins
- jjgular veins
- jigular veins
- j8gular veins
- j7gular veins
- jufular veins
- juvular veins
- jubular veins
- juhular veins
- juyular veins
- jutular veins
- jugylar veins
Etymology of JUGULAR VEINS
The word "jugular" is derived from the Latin word "jugulum", which means "throat" or "neck". The jugulum itself is derived from the Latin verb "jungere", which means "to join" or "to bind". "Jugulum" was used in ancient Roman times to refer to the front part of the neck, specifically the area where a person could be easily choked or where one might cut the throat.
The term "jugular veins" is used to describe the veins that are found in the neck, near the jugulum. These veins are responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the head, face, and neck, and returning it to the heart. The name "jugular veins" likely originated from their location in the neck, next to the jugulum.
