Jugulo-facial venous circle, accessory slip of trapezius and absence of typical facial vein —Clinically important anatomical variations

We report a unique combination of venous and muscular variation in the left side of the neck of an adult male cadaver. The typical facial vein was absent. Facial vein was represented as a vena comitans of facial artery. The common facial vein joined with the external jugular vein to form a jugulo-facial venous circle above the lateral part of the clavicle. This circle was closely related to an accessory muscle slip from the trapezius. Further, the common facial vein was connected to the anterior jugular vein through a large anonymous vein. We discuss the clinical implications of these variations.
Source: Journal of the Anatomical Society of India - Category: Anatomy Source Type: research