Quick Facts
Origin: Formed by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins.
Course: Descends within the parotid gland and emerges behind its apex.
Tributaries: Parotid veins.
Drainage: Face and temporal region.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The retromandibular vein is formed by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins, within the parotid gland. It lies deep to the facial nerve and superficial to the external carotid artery.
Course
The retromandibular vein descends within the parotid gland, along with the external carotid artery. It emerges behind the apex of the gland where it divides into anterior and posterior divisions. The anterior division combines with the facial vein to form the common facial vein. The posterior division joins with the posterior auricular vein to form the external jugular vein.
Tributaries
The retromandibular vein receives tributaries from the parotid veins.
Structures Drained
The retromandibular vein drains structures of the face and temporal region.
