Right internal jugular vein

The right internal jugular vein (RIJV) is a major venous structure that exits the external jugular foramen at the skull base and descends through the neck to join the right subclavian vein, forming the right brachiocephalic vein. It is often larger than the left internal jugular vein and is the preferred site for central venous cannulation.

It originates at the jugular foramen as a continuation of the sigmoid sinus, forming a superior bulb, and descends vertically within the carotid sheath lateral to the common carotid artery and vagus nerve. Along its course, it receives several tributaries, including the inferior petrosal sinus, common facial vein, lingual, pharyngeal, superior and middle thyroid veins, before joining the right subclavian vein posterior to the sternoclavicular joint to form the right brachiocephalic vein. It presents two dilatations, the superior and inferior bulbs, the latter containing a bicuspid valve that helps prevent retrograde flow.

The vein lies anterolateral to the internal and common carotid arteries and is covered superficially by the sternocleidomastoid muscle.