Temporal vein

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Temporal vein

Superficial veins of the face and the neck. (Temporal vein is labeled at center, on forehead.)

The Temporal vein is a vein that drains the lateral aspect of the head. It arises from the veinous plexus on the temporal muscle, and, joining with the frontal vein, forms the angular vein.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The temporal vein begins on the side and apex of the head in a plexus which communicates with the frontal vein and with the supratrochlear vein and supraorbital vein. It then runs backward superficial to the temporal fascia, and joins with the internal maxillary vein to form the retromandibular vein.

Function[edit | edit source]

The temporal vein, like other veins of the scalp, drains deoxygenated blood from the scalp to the heart. It plays a crucial role in the venous drainage system of the head and neck.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its superficial location, the temporal vein can be easily damaged in head injuries. It can also be used for venous access in certain medical procedures.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD