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The jugular veins are veins that bring deoxygenated blood from the head back to the heart via the superior vena cava.
[edit] Cultural references
- The jugular vein is the major point of damage when performing Jigai, a traditional way for Japanese women to commit suicide. This method was most commonly used because of its quick, painless, and certain outcome.
- In popular culture, the jugular is stereotypically what dogs and other animals are thought to go after with the intent of killing another animal, generally because of the awareness that it will incapacitate the opponent with little effort.
- "Fatal," a song from the Blade (film) soundtrack by RZA (an integral member of Wu-Tang Clan), refers to biting the jugular vein as a way to kill a foe.
- NHL player Richard Zednik had his neck accidentally sliced by a teammate during a game on February 11, 2008. Though the teammate's skate blade barely missed the jugular vein (which would have probably killed him), Zednik lost five pints of blood.
- NHL player Clint Malarchuk had a skate blade cut his jugular vein in what almost killed him.
- The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is said to be able to pierce the jugular vein of a giraffe, though how it manages this extraordinary feat is unclear.
[edit] References
