external jugular vein

external jugular vein

n.

A vein that is formed by the junction of the posterior auricular and the retromandibular veins, passes down the side of the neck superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and empties into the subclavian vein.

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external jugular vein,

the more superficial and lateral of a pair of large vessels on each side of the neck that receive most of the blood from the exterior of the cranium and the deep tissues of the face. Compare internal jugular vein.