American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Which vein is associated with draining from the inferior thyroid gland?

Internal jugular vein
Innominate vein
External jugular vein
Brachiocephalic vein

The correct answer is: Innominate vein

The vein associated with draining from the inferior thyroid gland is commonly the internal jugular vein. The inferior thyroid veins typically drain into the internal jugular vein, which runs alongside the carotid arteries in the neck. This drainage pattern is vital because it plays a role in the venous return from the thyroid gland to the central circulation. Each inferior thyroid vein usually joins the internal jugular vein or sometimes the brachiocephalic vein, but the internal jugular route is more prevalent. The innominate vein and brachiocephalic vein are terms often used interchangeably in clinical settings, as the innominate vein is more historically used; however, they represent the same anatomical structure. The external jugular vein mainly drains the exterior of the head and neck areas, making it less relevant in this context. Understanding these venous drainage pathways is critical for surgical procedures involving the thyroid and for diagnosing endocrine-related illnesses.