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Superficial temporal vein

The superficial temporal vein (Latin: vena temporalis superficialis) is a blood vessel that arises from the plexus of veins that anastomose across the scalp. It collects venous blood from the forehead, parietal and temporal regions of the head, external ear, and parotid gland.

Head and neck veins, Extracranial veins, Deep neck veins, Superficial neck veins, Superficial temporal vein, Tributaries of superficial temporal vein, Lateral view
Superficial temporal vein by Anatomy.app

The superficial temporal vein descends along the anterior aspect of the auricle, then unites with the maxillary vein at the level of mandibular neck. It continues further as the retromandibular vein, which drains into the internal or external jugular vein. The main tributaries of the superficial temporal vein are:

  • Articular veins
  • Anterior auricular veins
  • Transverse facial vein
Head and neck veins, Extracranial veins, Superficial neck veins, Deep neck veins, Superficial temporal vein, Tributaries of superficial temporal vein, Tributaries zoomed in, Lateral view
Superficial temporal vein and its tributaries by Anatomy.app