The superficial temporal vein is a vein of the side of the head.

Path

It begins on the side and vertex of the skull in a plexus which communicates with the frontal vein and supraorbital vein, with the corresponding vein of the opposite side, and with the posterior auricular vein and occipital vein.

From this network frontal and parietal branches arise, and unite above the zygomatic arch to form the trunk of the vein, which is joined by the middle temporal vein emerging from the temporalis muscle.

It then crosses the posterior root of the zygomatic arch, enters the substance of the parotid gland, and unites with the internal maxillary vein to form the posterior facial vein.

Tributaries

The superficial temporal vein receives in its course the following:

• some parotid veins
• articular veins from the temporomandibular joint
• anterior auricular veins from the auricula
• the transverse facial vein from the side of the face

External links

• ()
• Diagram at Tufts.edu
• Diagram at stchas.edu