Arta Medica (May 2021)
ANATOMO-MORPHOMETRIC PARTICULARITIES OF THE INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN. A REVIEW
Abstract
Objectives. The aim of the study was to analyze data and evidence from existing literature sources, regarding the topographic and morphometric features of the internal jugular vein, according to gender, age, laterality and its role in contemporary medicine. Materials and methods. Scientific publications which present information on the functional anatomy, morphological characteristics, functional features, application and paraclinical exploration of the internal jugular vein were analyzed. There were used local sources, elaborated by the collaborators of the department of anatomy and clinical anatomy, of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Nicolae Testemițanu”, as well as international sources through the online platforms Google Scholar and PubMed. Keywords used in the search were: “internal jugular vein”, “internal jugular vein catheterization”, “internal jugular vein features”. Results. During search, 49 scientific publications were identified that report current information on the anatomical-morphometric features of the internal jugular vein and the applicative role of the vein in clinical practice. Conclusions. The obtained information reveals the importance of the addressed problem. This study was conducted to highlight the morphological, morphometric and functional features of the internal jugular vein, as well as its topographic appearance in patients of different ages and genders and to emphasize the most effective way to approach the nominated vein in case of its catheterization. Knowing that anatomically and functionally, the internal jugular vein is extremely varied, and its topography and diameter can vary greatly, its trajectory data, the relationship with neighboring vascular and nervous structures and its size will become valuable for anesthetists, radiologists and vascular surgeons. Some of the priority research directions are: the study of the topography, vein functions, study of the anatomical variants and anomalies, the studying of the catheterization and manipulations due to internal jugular vein positioning, possible complications following catheterization, exploration methods.
