Quick Facts
Origin: Pterygoid plexus.
Course: Accompanies the first part of the maxillary artery and enters the parotid gland to unite with the superficial temporal vein to form the retromandibular vein.
Tributaries: Pterygoid plexus.
Drainage: Upper and lower jaws and teeth, muscles of mastication, ear, nose, eye, meninges, and palate.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The maxillary veins are formed by the confluence of veins from the pterygoid plexus.
Course
The maxillary veins accompany the first part of the maxillary artery. They pass backwards between the sphenomandibular ligament and the neck of the mandible. They enter the parotid gland to join the superficial temporal vein, forming the retromandibular vein.
Tributaries
The maxillary veins receive the venous blood from the pterygoid plexus.
Structures Drained
The maxillary veins drain the upper and lower jaw and teeth, muscles of mastication, ear, nose, meninges, and palate.
