jugular vein

/ˌdʒʌgjələr veɪn/

Other forms: jugular veins

Definitions of jugular vein

1. noun

   veins in the neck that return blood from the head
   synonyms: jugular, vena jugularis

   types:

   anterior jugular vein

   arises below the chin from veins draining the lower face; joins the external jugular vein

   external jugular vein

   formed by the junction of the posterior auricular and the retromandibular veins; empties into the subclavian vein

   internal jugular vein

   a continuation of the sigmoid sinus of the dura mater; joins the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein

   type of:

   vein, vena, venous blood vessel

   a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart