Rare variations in formation and termination of superficial veins of the neck: a clinical relevant case report

Background: Exploring anatomical variations in human body is interminable. Slight variations are observed in the individuals especially in the veins. Knowledge of these variations is a need of modern days advance medical science to conduct innocuous procedures or to avoid needless complications. Aims: This is a case report of a 60 year old male cadaver having variations in the superficial veins of the neck. Materials and methods: During routine dissection on the male cadaver we noted deviation in normal morphology, formation and termination of superficial veins unilaterally on the left side. Results: The retromandibular vein continues downward as external jugular vein without dividing into anterior and posterior divisions. The facial vein instead of terminating into internal jugular vein joined external jugular vein. And the external Jugular vein besides terminating into the subclavian vein terminates at the jugulo-subclavian confluence. Conclusion: Presence of such variant course in the veins may cause difficulties in the invasive procedures. So it is advisable to have prior knowledge of these variations for safe conduction of procedures.