Retromandibular vein
The retromandibular 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 facial vein forming the common facial vein, while its posterior branch joins the posterior auricular vein forming the external jugular vein.
Anatomy
Origin
The retromandibular vein is formed within the parotid gland by the confluence of the maxillary vein, and superficial temporal vein.''''''Course
It descends inside parotid gland,' superficial to the external carotid artery, 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 facial vein forming the common facial 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