Which vessel drains blood from the brain?

• A. Jugular vein
• B. Aorta
• C. Pulmonary artery
• D. Carotid artery

Answer: (A)

Venous drainage from the brain is carried away by the internal jugular veins. Blood collected from the brain’s venous system drains into these veins in the neck, then flows into the brachiocephalic veins and onward to the superior vena cava to return to the heart. This contrasts with the arteries, which supply blood to the brain; the carotid arteries deliver arterial blood, while the aorta is the main artery exiting the heart and the pulmonary artery moves blood to the lungs. Therefore, the vessel that drains blood from the brain is the jugular vein.