American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which vein does the superior thyroid vein drain into?

1. Subclavian vein

2. Internal jugular vein

3. External jugular vein

4. Brachiocephalic vein

The correct answer is: Internal jugular vein

The superior thyroid vein drains directly into the internal jugular vein. This anatomical feature is significant because the internal jugular vein is the primary pathway for venous return from the head and neck. It is formed by the confluence of the sigmoid sinus and the inferior petrosal sinus as it exits the skull. The superior thyroid vein collects blood from the upper part of the thyroid gland and flows into the internal jugular vein, where it contributes to the overall drainage system of the head. Understanding this pathway is crucial for surgery and for managing conditions related to thyroid pathology, as knowledge of vascular anatomy can influence surgical approaches and help prevent complications. Other veins mentioned, such as the subclavian, external jugular, and brachiocephalic veins, have different drainage patterns and specific functionalities. The external jugular vein, for instance, does collect blood from certain regions of the face and neck but primarily drains into the subclavian vein instead. Thus, it's essential to recognize the distinct tributary flow of each vein when considering venous drainage in the neck region.