Physiology, Jugular Venous Pulsation

Excerpt

Running along the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the internal jugular vein (IJV) provides deoxygenated blood directly to the right atrium (RA). Although there is a functional valve bordering the superior vena cava (SVC) and RA, this valve does not appear to hinder the phasic flow of blood to the RA. Therefore, the pulsations that can be observed at the level of the IJV can provide valuable insight into the hemodynamics of blood at the level of the RA. The importance of the relationship between the IJV and RA provides healthcare professionals with an invaluable physical examination tool. The bedside examination of the jugular venous pulse (JVP) can be used to determine the central venous pressure (CVP), venous pulse contour, and many cardiac pathologies.