The transverse cervical veins are a pair of veins that are part of the venous system in the neck. They are responsible for draining blood from the back and lateral areas of the neck. These veins typically arise from the posterior part of the neck, collecting blood from smaller veins in the region, and run transversely across the neck.
Location
The transverse cervical veins are located in the posterior triangle of the neck. They accompany the transverse cervical artery, running across the lateral aspect of the neck, superficial to the scalenus muscles. These veins typically drain into the external jugular vein, contributing to the venous return from the neck and shoulder regions.
Structure and Anatomy
Origin and Course
The transverse cervical veins typically originate from a network of smaller veins in the posterior part of the neck, particularly from the trapezius muscle and surrounding structures. These veins begin by collecting blood from the superficial and deeper structures of the neck, such as the skin, fascia, and muscle tissue.
Once formed, the transverse cervical veins run laterally across the posterior triangle of the neck, following a transverse path. They accompany the transverse cervical artery, which provides a parallel course alongside the veins. These veins travel superficial to the scalenus anterior and scalenus medius muscles, maintaining a relatively straight path across the lateral neck.
Tributaries
The transverse cervical veins receive blood from several tributaries, including:
- Muscular branches: Drain the muscles in the posterior aspect of the neck, including the trapezius.
- Superficial veins: Collect blood from the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the lateral and posterior neck.
Relation to Neighboring Structures
- Transverse Cervical Artery: The transverse cervical veins run parallel to the transverse cervical artery, forming a neurovascular bundle as they traverse the neck.
- Cervical Plexus: The veins pass near the cervical plexus, a network of nerves that supply the muscles of the neck and diaphragm.
- External Jugular Vein: After traversing the neck, the transverse cervical veins typically drain into the external jugular vein, which is one of the primary veins of the neck. The junction with the external jugular vein occurs near the lateral border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Variations
There is some anatomical variation in the transverse cervical veins. While they commonly drain into the external jugular vein, they may also communicate with the anterior jugular vein or drain directly into the subclavian vein. Additionally, there may be multiple transverse cervical veins or accessory veins that assist in draining the lateral neck.
Drainage Pathway
Once the transverse cervical veins have received blood from their tributaries and completed their lateral course across the neck, they empty into the external jugular vein. From there, the blood is directed toward the subclavian vein and then into the brachiocephalic vein, ultimately entering the superior vena cava for return to the heart.
Function
Venous Drainage of the Neck
The primary function of the transverse cervical veins is to facilitate the drainage of deoxygenated blood from the posterior and lateral regions of the neck. These veins collect blood from the surrounding muscles, skin, and other soft tissues of the posterior triangle of the neck. Specifically, they drain blood from structures like the trapezius muscle, which extends across the upper back and shoulders, as well as superficial tissues in the lateral neck.
By gathering venous blood from these regions, the transverse cervical veins contribute to the overall venous return to the heart, ensuring that waste products and carbon dioxide are efficiently removed from the tissues.
Connection to the External Jugular Vein
The transverse cervical veins are an important tributary to the external jugular vein, which is one of the major veins responsible for draining blood from the superficial parts of the face, scalp, and neck. After collecting blood from their respective regions, the transverse cervical veins transport it to the external jugular vein, where it continues its journey toward the heart.
This connection serves as a pathway for deoxygenated blood from the neck to join the larger venous system. The blood eventually passes through the subclavian vein and into the brachiocephalic vein, which leads to the superior vena cava and the right atrium of the heart.
Prevention of Blood Stasis
Another important function of the transverse cervical veins is to prevent blood stasis in the posterior and lateral regions of the neck. By providing a direct route for venous blood to exit the neck and flow toward the heart, these veins help maintain proper circulation in the head and neck. This efficient drainage prevents the accumulation of blood, which could lead to localized swelling, discomfort, or potential venous complications.
Contribution to Collateral Circulation
The transverse cervical veins contribute to collateral circulation within the neck region. They provide an alternative venous drainage route in case of blockages or obstruction in other veins, such as the external jugular vein or subclavian vein. This ability to redirect venous blood ensures that proper drainage can still occur, even if primary pathways are compromised due to trauma, surgery, or pathology.
The anatomical connections between the transverse cervical veins and other venous structures, like the anterior jugular vein or subclavian vein, further enhance their role in facilitating venous return from the neck to the central circulation. This flexibility in drainage pathways helps maintain hemodynamic stability within the neck and head.
Clinical Significance
The transverse cervical veins hold clinical significance due to their involvement in the venous drainage of the neck. Injuries or trauma to the neck, especially in the posterior triangle where these veins are located, can lead to bleeding or hematoma formation due to their proximity to the surface. Since these veins drain into the external jugular vein, their involvement in conditions like venous congestion or jugular vein thrombosis can affect blood flow from the head and neck to the heart.
During surgical procedures in the neck, particularly those involving the cervical spine, lymph nodes, or vascular structures, care must be taken to avoid damaging the transverse cervical veins. Injury to these veins could lead to significant blood loss and complicate the procedure due to the extensive venous network in the neck. Additionally, these veins may be involved in venous malformations or varicosities in certain vascular diseases, affecting venous drainage from the neck.
