Beginner External Jugular Vein Quiz

Q1. Which vessels usually unite to form the external jugular vein?

• Facial vein and anterior division of the retromandibular vein
• Posterior auricular vein and posterior division of the retromandibular vein
• Lingual vein and superior thyroid vein
• Internal jugular vein and subclavian vein

Q2. Where does the external jugular vein usually begin?

• At the thyroid isthmus
• Within the superior mediastinum
• Near the angle of the mandible
• At the jugular foramen

Q3. Across which muscle does the external jugular vein descend?

• Sternocleidomastoid
• Longus colli
• Anterior scalene
• Mylohyoid

Q4. What is the relationship of the external jugular vein to the investing layer of deep cervical fascia over most of its course?

• It lies superficial to the investing fascia
• It lies inside sternocleidomastoid
• It lies deep to prevertebral fascia
• It lies within the carotid sheath

Q5. Which superficial muscle overlies the external jugular vein in the upper part of its course?

• Platysma
• Longus capitis
• Sternothyroid
• Anterior scalene

Q6. Into which vein does the external jugular vein usually drain?

• Azygos vein
• Subclavian vein
• Internal carotid artery
• Superior sagittal sinus

Q7. In which triangle of the neck is much of the external jugular vein visible superficially?

• Submental triangle only
• Muscular triangle only
• Carotid sheath only
• Posterior triangle

Q8. Which statement best describes the external jugular vein compared with the internal jugular vein?

• The external jugular is an artery
• The external jugular lies within the carotid sheath
• The external jugular is more superficial
• The external jugular drains directly into the dural venous sinuses

Q9. Which area is substantially drained by the external jugular vein and its tributaries?

• Superficial scalp, face, and neck
• Brain parenchyma only
• Abdominal viscera
• Lower limb only

Q10. Why is the external jugular vein often visible through the skin?

• It lies within the vertebral canal
• It passes through the carotid canal
• It has a superficial course over sternocleidomastoid
• It is embedded in the thyroid gland