Retromandibular vein

The retromandibular vein, also known as the posterior facial vein, runs through the substance of the parotid gland.

Gross anatomy

Origin and course

The retromandibular vein is formed, usually within the parotid, by the confluence of the maxillary vein and the superficial temporal vein. It lies deep to the facial nerve and superficial to the external carotid artery.

Branches

The retromandibular vein divides into two branches: