Brachiocephalic vein
The left and right brachiocephalic veins are major veins in the upper chest, formed by the union of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein and subclavian vein behind the sternoclavicular joint. The left brachiocephalic vein is more than twice the length of the right brachiocephalic vein.
These veins merge to form the superior vena cava, a great vessel, posterior to the junction of the first costal cartilage with the manubrium of the sternum.
The brachiocephalic veins are the major veins returning blood to the superior vena cava.
Left and right veins
Left brachiocephalic vein
The left brachiocephalic vein is about 6cm long, more than twice the length of the right brachiocephalic vein, and is formed by the confluence of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins. In addition, the left vein receives drainage from the following tributaries:- The left vertebral vein, internal thoracic vein, inferior thyroid veins, superior intercostal veins, the thymic veins and the pericardial veins
Right brachiocephalic vein
- The right vertebral vein, the internal thoracic vein, and the thyroid veins, and occasionally from the first right posterior intercostal veins.
Embryological origin