Superficial temporal vein

The superficial temporal vein (Latin: vena temporalis superficialis) is a blood vessel that arises from the plexus of veins that anastomose across the scalp. It collects venous blood from the forehead, parietal and temporal regions of the head, external ear, and parotid gland.

The superficial temporal vein descends along the anterior aspect of the auricle, then unites with the maxillary vein at the level of mandibular neck. It continues further as the retromandibular vein, which drains into the internal or external jugular vein. The main tributaries of the superficial temporal vein are:

• Articular veins
• Anterior auricular veins
• Transverse facial vein