Jugular Veins: Function, Types & Location - A Comprehensive Guide

Jugular veins are a network of blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the head and neck back to the heart. There are two main jugular veins, the internal jugular vein and the external jugular vein.

* Internal jugular vein: The internal jugular vein is the larger of the two jugular veins. It runs along the side of the neck, deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The internal jugular vein drains blood from the brain, face, and upper neck.

* External jugular vein: The external jugular vein is smaller than the internal jugular vein. It runs along the surface of the neck, just beneath the skin. The external jugular vein drains blood from the scalp, face, and lower neck.

The jugular veins play an important role in maintaining blood flow to and from the head and neck. They also help to regulate blood pressure and body temperature.