• Source: Retromandibular vein

The retromandibular vein (temporomaxillary vein, posterior facial vein) is a major vein of the face. It is formed within the parotid gland by the confluence of the maxillary vein, and superficial temporal vein. It descends in the gland and splits into two branches upon emerging from the gland. Its anterior branch then joins the (anterior) facial vein forming the common facial vein, while its posterior branch joins the posterior auricular vein forming the external jugular vein.




Anatomy






= Origin

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The retromandibular vein is formed within the parotid gland by the confluence of the maxillary vein, and superficial temporal vein.




= Course

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It descends inside parotid gland, superficial to the external carotid artery (but beneath the facial nerve), between the sternocleidomastoideus muscle and ramus of mandible. It emerges from the parotid gland inferiorly, then immediately divides into two branches:

an anterior branch which passes anterior-ward to unite with the (anterior) facial vein forming the common facial vein (which then empties into the internal jugular vein).
a posterior branch which penetrates the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia before uniting with the posterior auricular vein forming the external jugular vein.




Function


The retromandibular vein provides venous drainage to the superior cranium, and significant drainage to the ear.




Clinical significance



Parrot's sign is a sensation of pain when pressure is applied to the retromandibular region.




Additional images











References


This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 646 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)




External links


Anatomy photo:27:13-0103 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Infratemporal fossa: The Pterygoid plexus of Veins"
lesson4 at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (parotid2)
Tufts.edu

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Retromandibular vein
• External jugular vein
• Internal jugular vein
• Superficial temporal vein
• Infratemporal fossa
• Facial vein
• Posterior auricular vein
• Common facial vein
• Scalp
• List of veins of the human body