subclavian vein

Vein: Subclavian vein
The thyroid gland and its relations. (Right subclavian vein visible at bottom left, left subclavian vein visible at bottom right.)
Diagram showing completion of development of the parietal veins. (Subclavian vein labeled at right, third from top.)
Latin	vena subclavia
Gray's	subject #172 664
Source	axillary vein, external jugular vein
Drains to	brachiocephalic vein
Artery	subclavian artery
MeSH	Subclavian+Vein

In human anatomy, the subclavian veins are two large veins, one on either side of the body. Its diameter is approximately that of the small finger. It is divided into right and left subclavian vein.

Path

Each subclavian vein 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 (also known as "innominate vein"). The angle of union is termed the venous angle.

The subclavian vein follows the subclavian artery and is separated posteriorly by the insertion of anterior scalene.

Lymph

The thoracic duct drains into the left subclavian vein, near its junction with the left internal jugular vein.

It carries lymph (water and solutes) from the lymphatic system, as well as chylomicrons or chyle, formed in the intestines from dietary fat and lipids.

Etymology

The term subclavian can be broken down to: sub (below), and clavian (pertaining to the clavicle).

See also

• central venous catheter

Additional images

Peculiar ribs.

The venæ cavæ and azygos veins, with their tributaries.

The thoracic and right lymphatic ducts.

The thymus of a full-term fetus, exposed in situ.

External links

• Subclavian+vein at eMedicine Dictionary

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