In transverse view, which structure is an ovoid anechoic structure lateral to each thyroid lobe and usually lateral to the CCA?

In transverse view, which structure is an ovoid anechoic structure lateral to each thyroid lobe and usually lateral to the CCA?

• A. Trachea
• B. Internal Jugular Vein
• C. Common Carotid Artery
• D. Esophagus

Answer: (B)

In transverse neck ultrasound, the thyroid sits near the midline and the vessels form a characteristic arrangement within the carotid sheath: a lateral lumen that is compressible belongs to a vein, while arteries are more medial and pulsatile. The structure described is the internal jugular vein. It appears as a large, tubular, anechoic (dark) space that lies lateral to each thyroid lobe and is usually lateral to the common carotid artery. Its veins compress with gentle probe pressure and lack arterial pulsation, which helps distinguish it from the artery. By contrast, the trachea is midline and air-filled with posterior shadowing, and the esophagus typically lies posterior to the trachea rather than lateral to the carotid arteries.

In transverse neck ultrasound, the thyroid sits near the midline and the vessels form a characteristic arrangement within the carotid sheath: a lateral lumen that is compressible belongs to a vein, while arteries are more medial and pulsatile. The structure described is the internal jugular vein. It appears as a large, tubular, anechoic (dark) space that lies lateral to each thyroid lobe and is usually lateral to the common carotid artery. Its veins compress with gentle probe pressure and lack arterial pulsation, which helps distinguish it from the artery. By contrast, the trachea is midline and air-filled with posterior shadowing, and the esophagus typically lies posterior to the trachea rather than lateral to the carotid arteries.