The subclavian vein is a large paired, deep vein that extends along each side of the neck.

Both subclavian veinsright and leftare located underneath the clavicle (collarbone).

Without the veins and arteries continuously circulating blood throughout the body, a person would be unable to live.

subclavian vein

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The subclavian vein extends along the medial (middle) side of a muscle called the anterior scalene muscle.

These smaller veins are called tributaries.

Tributaries are veins that drain deoxygenated blood into a larger vein.

The subclavian veins originate at the outer border of the first rib.

Anatomical Variations

A congenital defect is an abnormality occurring during fetal development.

It is commonly referred to as a birth defect.

This is known as acentral venous catheter, sometimes referred to as a central line.

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