A Rare Variation of Superficial Venous Drainage Pattern of Neck

Abstract

Variations in the formation of veins of the head and neck region are common and are well explained based on their embryological background. Complete absence of an important and major vein of the region such as external jugular vein is very rare and is worth reporting. Knowledge of the variations of external jugular vein is not only important for anatomists but also for surgeons and clinicians as the vein is frequently used for different surgical procedures and for obtaining peripheral venous access as well

Keywords

• anomalies
• external jugular vein
• retromandibular vein