The internal jugular vein runs from the jugular foramen at the base of the skull to join the subclavian vein behind the clavicle (Fig 1).

The internal jugular vein is enclosed within the carotid sheath with the internal/common carotid artery, and the vagus nerve. The vein is usually lateral to the artery.

The carotid sheath runs deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

The internal jugular vein runs lateral to the carotid artery in the neck.

The carotid sheath runs deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck.