Posterior auricular vein

The posterior auricular vein (Latin: vena auricularis posterior) is a blood vessel formed by the parieto-occipital venous network. This vein collects venous blood mainly from the skin behind the ear.

The posterior auricular vein passes downwards posterior to the auricle and anterior to the parotid gland. The vein joins the posterior division of the retromandibular vein to form the external jugular vein or drains directly into the external jugular vein. The main tributary of the posterior auricular vein is the stylomastoid vein.