Clinical Relevance
The jugular veins are relatively superficial and not protected by tissues such as bone or cartilage. This makes them susceptible to damage. Due to the large volumes of blood that flow though the jugular veins, damage to the jugulars can quickly cause significant blood loss, which can lead to hypovolæmic shock and then death if not treated.
It should also be noted that cuts or abrasions in the skin near the jugular vein will bleed longer and more profusely (i.e. from chewing tobacco or shaving accidents). Since 95% of the body's blood passes through this vein, it takes on average about 30 minutes to fully stop a shaving abrasion on the face.
Read more about this topic: Internal Jugular Vein
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