Overview
- Formed behind the Sternoclavicular Joints by confluence of Internal Jugular and Subclavian Veins
- Medial to the Anterior Scalene, located anterior to the Subclavian Artery (1st part) and receives tributaries corresponding to the branches of the 1st part of Subclavian – i.e. Vertebral, Inferior Thyroid, Internal Thoracic, and Superior Intercostal Vein (on left hand side only)
Right Brachiocephalic Vein
- Commences behind the right Sternoclavicular Joint
- Receives at its commencement: Right Jugular, Subclavian, Bronchomediastinal lymph trunks separately or via their confluent channel, the Right Lymphatic Duct
Left Brachiocephalic Vein
- Passes to the right with a downward inclination across the Superior Mediastinum
- Passes above the Arch of the Aorta
- Passes posterior to the Thymus and the Upper ½ of the Manubrium
- At its commencement, receives the Thoracic Duct
- Receives most of the Inferior Thyroid Veins, Left Superior Intercostal Vein, and the large Thymic Vein
