Veins of face and scalp (Anterior view: superficial) (English)

Superficial venous drainage of the face is mainly achieved through tributaries from the retromandibular and facial veins. The superficial temporal veins pass laterally from the temporal region over the zygomatic arch and enter the parotid gland. Within the parotid gland, the superficial temporal veins join with the maxillary veins to form the retromandibular vein. The superficial temporal veins drain the muscles and skin of the temporal region.The deep facial vein drains the rostral aspect of the pterygoid plexus to the facial vein, while the inferior labial veins courses laterally along the lower lip, draining structures of this region into the facial vein. The retromandibular and facial veins extend inferiorly and drain to the internal jugular vein.