Right brachiocephalic vein

Vena brachiocephalica dextra

CardiovascularBlood vesselsThoraxRight side

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What it is
Formed behind the right sternoclavicular joint by the right internal jugular and subclavian veins; descends almost vertically to unite with the left brachiocephalic vein as the superior vena cava.
Function
Drains the right side of the head, neck and right arm; receives the right lymphatic duct.
Size
~2.5 cm long, ~1.2 cm wide.
Clinical note
Its straight line into the SVC makes the right internal jugular the preferred route for central lines and pacing wires.

Nearby cardiovascular structures Aortic arch, Ascending aorta, Brachiocephalic trunk, Left brachiocephalic vein, Left subclavian artery, Pulmonary trunk, Right pulmonary artery, Right subclavian artery, Subclavian vein, Superior vena cava