Subclavian vein

Subclavian vein

The Subclavian vein is a large vein that carries blood from the upper extremities to the heart. It is a continuation of the axillary vein and runs from the outer border of the first rib to the medial border of anterior scalene muscle. From here, it joins with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

Anatomy

The subclavian vein is located in the neck, beneath the clavicle, hence the name 'subclavian'. It is a large vein, approximately 2 cm in diameter, and is typically located just below the clavicle, or collarbone. The vein is responsible for draining blood from the upper extremities, and it does this by joining with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

Clinical significance

Due to its size and location, the subclavian vein is often used for the insertion of a central venous catheter, which is a tube that doctors place in a large vein to give medications or fluids that need to be distributed throughout the body. It can also be used to draw blood.

See also

• Vein
• Blood vessel
• Heart
• Upper extremities
• Axillary vein
• Brachiocephalic vein
• Internal jugular vein
• Anterior scalene muscle
• Central venous catheter

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