Subclavian vein

Vena subclavia

CardiovascularBlood vesselsThoraxLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is
Continues the axillary vein from the outer border of the first rib and runs medially over the rib in front of the anterior scalene muscle, beneath the clavicle, to join the internal jugular vein at the venous angle.
Function
Drains the upper limb, and on the left receives lymph from the thoracic duct at its junction with the internal jugular vein.
Size
~1–2 cm diameter, ~3–4 cm long.
Clinical note
Held open by fascial attachments, it is a classic site for central venous catheters placed just below the clavicle; repetitive overhead arm use can cause its thrombosis (Paget–Schroetter syndrome).

Nearby cardiovascular structures Aortic arch, Axillary artery, Axillary vein, Brachiocephalic trunk, Left brachiocephalic vein, Left pulmonary artery, Left subclavian artery, Right brachiocephalic vein, Right subclavian artery, Superior vena cava