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 6 cm 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 brachiocephalic vein is about 2.5cm long. The right vein is formed by the confluence of the right subclavian vein and the right internal jugular vein. It receives the following tributaries:

• The right vertebral vein, the internal thoracic vein, and the thyroid veins, and occasionally from the first right posterior intercostal veins.