The =vena occipitalis externa=, sometimes called the vena occipitalis collateralis, extends from the vena auris, and receives vessels from the neck region. It receives on the side of the occipitoatloid joint the vena occipitalis interna. The vena occipitalis externa forms a junction with the vena vertebralis emptying into the transverse vein. THE VEINS OF THE NECK BRANCHES OF THE VENA JUGULARIS The trunks of the vena jugularis or vena cephalica communis pass subcutaneously on both sides near the trachea and the esophagus. Near the height of the thyroid gland they almost touch the carotid artery. They then cross, dorsalward, the trunk of the subclavian artery, and in their course receive the vertebral vein and unite with the subclavian vein toward the side of the vena brachiocephalica. The union on the right side lies to the right of the anterior aorta, and the union on the left side lies to the left of the pulmonary artery. The jugular vein (Fig. 18, No. 4) receives in its course the following veins: The =venæ linguales= (Fig. 62, No. _B_, 7), which at times empty into the vena cephalica posterior. The =vena occipito-collares=, which arises on the ventral side from the muscles of the neck and the vertebræ; empties into the vena occipitalis lateralis and also communicates with the vena jugularis by anastomoses. The =venæ ascendentes laterales=, which collect blood from the lateral sides of the neck. The =venæ colli cutineæ=, which enter the jugular vein laterally. The upper branches are directed crosswise, and are shorter than the lower ones. The lower branches are located near the thorax, are directed upward, and anastomose by fine terminal twigs. Plexuses are frequently formed in the inner side of the skin of the neck. BRANCHES OF THE VENA SUBCLAVIA ( Vena profunda ulnaris ( Vena brachialis ( Vena profunda radialis ( Truncus venæ ( ( Vena profunda humeri ( axillaris ( ( ( Vena basilica or cutinea ulnaris ( ( ( Vena cutinea abdomino-pectoralis Truncus venæ ( Vena pectoris ( Vena infrascapularis anterior subclaviæ ( externa ( Vena thoracica externa ( Vena coracoidea ( Vena sternalis The =venæ esophageæ= are numerous smaller veins formed in closely woven plexuses in the region of the esophagus along the neck. Some pass upward and some downward.