Superior thyroid vein

Looks like

A vein leaving the top of the thyroid gland on each side and running out to the jugular vein.

What it does

Drains the upper thyroid and part of the voice box into the internal jugular vein.

Keeping it well

Tied off during thyroid surgery. Bleeding into the neck after thyroid surgery with swelling or breathlessness is an emergency.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins