Anatomical variation of Jugulo-subclavian venous confluence

Variations of superficial veinous dranaige are very common in the head and neck regions. The jugular veins display disparities in its development and pathway. During a routine dissection study with the medical students of an adult male cadaver (head and neck regions) in the Anatomy laboratory, School of Medicine, a variation of the jugular veins communicating with subclavian vein to form jugulo-subclavian trunk/confluence draining into brachiocephalic vein was found on right side of the body. It was studied and photographed. The jugular veins joined in the cervical region and pass under the posteromedial border of clavicle to communicate with the subclavian vein as brachiocephalic vein. No abnormality was detected on the left cervical region. These venous vessels; the subclavian and jugular are preferred sites for long term central venous access. Therefore knowledge of these venous variations is not only of importance to anatomists but surgeons and clinicians performing catheterization and surgical procedures in the region of the neck, vascular or reconstructive surgery. This prevents inadvertent injury during surgery and venepuncture at the neck region.