The supratrochlear (frontal) vein is a relatively short vein that arises in the anterior aspect of the head. It originates on the forehead from a venous plexus that communicates with the frontal branch of the superficial temporal vein.

Several smaller veins converge to form a single trunk called the supratrochlear vein. It descends near the midline of the forehead, going parallel to it. Also, the supratrochlear vein goes parallel to the same vein on the opposite side.

When both supratrochlear veins reach the root of the nose, they are joined by a transverse branch called the nasal arch. The nasal arch also receives some small veins draining the dorsum of the nose. Subsequently, at the medial aspect of the orbit, the frontal vein is joined by the supraorbital vein, and both form the angular vein (Read more!).

The supratrochlear vein usually divides into two branches. One unites with the supraorbital vein, while the other enters the bony orbit via the supratrochlear foramen/notch and follows the course of the supratrochlear artery.

Overall, the supratrochlear vein drains the skin and muscles of the central aspect of the forehead, glabella, and medial aspect of the supraorbital margin.

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Supratrochlear (frontal) vein