Expansion
Union of the right and left brachiocephalic veins, with the azygos vein as its only named tributary
Expansion
- Formed behind the first right costal cartilage by the union of the right and left brachiocephalic veins
- Descends to enter the right atrium at the level of the third right costal cartilage
- Receives the azygos vein just before entering the pericardium
Each brachiocephalic vein is itself formed by the union of the internal jugular and subclavian veins at the venous angle. The left brachiocephalic vein is much longer than the right because it must cross the midline behind the manubrium.
Obstruction produces facial and upper limb swelling, distended neck veins and dilated chest wall collaterals, most commonly from bronchial carcinoma or lymphoma.