Anatomy

Question 1

Describe the venous anatomy starting with the subclavian vein until you reach the superior vena cava.

Which side does the thoracic duct enter the subclavian vein?

Answer 1

Subclavian vein is a continuation of the axillary vein and united with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

The left and right brachiocephalic veins unite to form the superior vena cava.

Thoracic duct enters on the LEFT (heart-side)

Question 2

True/False: the brachiocephalic artery only occurs on the left-side.

Answer 2

False: the brachiocephalic trunk/artery is a branch of the aortic arch which divides to form the RIGHT subclavian and RIGHT common carotid arteries.

On the left-side, the subclavian and common carotid artery branch directly from the aortic arch.