Final answer:
The internal jugular vein drains the brain and the superficial facial vein, while the external jugular vein drains the superficial portions of the head, scalp, and cranial regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Area Drained by the Jugular Vein
The jugular vein consists of two primary types: internal jugular vein and external jugular vein. The internal jugular vein is a major vein that runs parallel to the common carotid artery and primarily drains blood from the brain, as well as receiving blood from the superficial facial vein. It passes through the jugular foramen and canal and empties into the subclavian vein. On the other hand, the external jugular vein drains blood from the more superficial portions of the head, including the scalp and cranial regions. This vein receives blood from the temporal vein and maxillary vein and leads to the subclavian vein. Blood from the brain and the superficial facial vein flows directly into the internal jugular vein, while the external jugular vein handles the superficial parts of the head and neck.
Anatomical anastomoses exist between these veins close to the thoracic region, where they connect and eventually lead to the superior vena cava through the subclavian vein. This circuit is essential for the deoxygenated blood to return to the heart from the upper body, including the head and neck.