The term "vena jugularis anterior" refers to the anterior jugular vein, which runs vertically down the front of the neck. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Vena" is pronounced /ˈvɛnə/, with the stressed syllable on the first letter. "Jugularis" is pronounced /ˈdʒʊɡjʊlɑrɪs/, with the stress on the second syllable. "Anterior" is pronounced /ænˈtɪriər/, with the stress on the second syllable. Together, these three words create a term that is used to describe the location of an important blood vessel in the body.
Vena Jugularis Anterior, also known as the anterior jugular vein, is a vital anatomical feature located in the neck region of the human body. It refers to a pair of veins that run along the front portion of the neck. The word "vena" is derived from Latin, meaning "vein," while "jugularis" refers to the anatomical area of the throat and neck.
The vena jugularis anterior is responsible for draining blood from the structures in the front of the neck, including the muscles and skin. It originates in the chin region, beneath the jawbone, and descends downwards towards the clavicle, or collarbone. Along its course, it receives blood from various sources, such as the muscles of the chin, the lower lip, and the skin of the neck.
The anterior jugular vein is paired, meaning that there is one on each side of the neck. From its termination at the clavicle, it ultimately drains into the subclavian vein on either side. This vein plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by collecting deoxygenated blood and returning it to the heart for oxygenation.
As with other veins, the vena jugularis anterior can be prone to various health conditions, such as thrombosis (blood clot formation) or inflammation. Medical professionals may need to assess the condition of this vein for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
Arises on the digastric muscle from veins from the lower lip and mental region, descends the anterior portion of the neck superficially, pierces the superficial layer of the deep fascia, passes through Burns's space, and turnsoutward toempty into the external jugular at the outer border of the scalenus anticus muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.