Anatomical Correlation Between the External Diameters of the Internal Jugular Vein and the Common Carotid Artery: A Cross-sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: The Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) and the Common Carotid Artery (CCA) are vital vascular structures in the neck, frequently encountered during diagnostic and interventional procedures. While their physiological interdependence is well established, evidence on the morphometric correlation between their external diameter is limited. Most earlier studies are imaging-based, and there remains limited cadaveric evidence correlating their external vessel diameters. Aim: To assess the correlation between the external diameters of IJV and CCA. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, from June 2011 to Jan 2013, on 50 embalmed adult cadavers (100 sides). Measurements were taken at the level of the arch of the cricoid cartilage using a sliding vernier calliper. Data were analysed to compare right- and left-sided differences, categorise vessel sizes, and assess associations between the external diameters of the IJV and CCA. Parameters evaluated included the external diameters of the right and left IJV and CCA, side differences, vessel size categories, and inter-vessel correlations. All readings were made by a single observer to avoid inter-observer variability, and statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 with paired t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p-value <0.05 considered significant). Results: Significant differences were observed between the mean diameters of the IJV and CCA on both right and left sides. The mean external diameter of the right IJV was 12.94±2.85 mm and that of the right CCA was 8.92±1.45 mm (p-value <0.001); on the left, the IJV measured 11.33±2.60 mm and the CCA 8.51±1.37 mm (p-value <0.001). Categorisation revealed that 40% of large CCAs were associated with large IJVs, while 35% of small CCAs corresponded with small IJVs. Overall, statistical analysis demonstrated a modest yet statistically significant positive correlation between the external diameters of the IJV and CCA (r-value=0.278, p-value=0.005). Paired t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation were applied, with p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a weak positive correlation between the external diameters of the IJV and CCA, providing anatomical support for previous imaging-based observations. Recognising this morphometric relationship enhances anatomical understanding and may offer a supportive context for vascular imaging, central venous access, and surgical planning; however, the findings should be interpreted with caution.
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $275
OpenAlex ID: W7124426758
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