The |subclavian vein| is a continuation of the |axillary vein| (vein of the armpit) from the upper arm. A branch of the |subclavian vein| (right and left) extends from each arm. The |vein| then converges and extends from the first |rib| to the |clavicle| (collar bone), where it merges with the |internal jugular vein| to form the innominate. The |subclavian veins| are also important to the lymphatic system as a means of introcucing ~lymph~ back into the ~blood~. The |thoracic duct|, which carries ~lymph~, joins the left subclavian near the junction with the |internal jugular vein|. The lymphatic duct carries ~lymph~ to the right |subclavian vein| and also joins it near the junction with the |internal jugular vein|.
