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Facial Vein

vena facialis

The facial vein runs from the medial canthus downward and posteriorly across the face, accompanying the facial artery, to drain at the anterior border of the masseter into the internal jugular vein. Unlike most veins, the facial vein has no valves, allowing bidirectional flow. It communicates via the angular vein with the superior ophthalmic vein and hence the cavernous sinus, and via the deep facial vein with the pterygoid venous plexus.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The valveless facial vein and its communications with the cavernous sinus create the danger triangle of the face (the triangular area between the corners of the mouth and the bridge of the nose). Bacterial infection in this zone can spread retrogradely through the angular vein to the superior ophthalmic vein and into the cavernous sinus, causing life-threatening cavernous sinus thrombosis. Squeezing infected pustules or folliculitis in the danger triangle is classically contraindicated for this reason.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis from Facial Infection

Staphylococcal infection from a squeezed boil in the facial danger triangle spreads retrograde through the valveless facial vein and angular vein to the superior ophthalmic vein and cavernous sinus, producing cavernous sinus thrombosis with fever, bilateral proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and septicaemia requiring urgent IV antibiotics and anticoagulation.