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Retromandibular Vein

vena retromandibularis

The retromandibular vein is formed within the parotid gland by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins, descending behind the mandibular ramus within the parotid. It divides at the parotid's lower pole: the anterior division joins the facial vein to form the common facial vein draining to the internal jugular; the posterior division joins the posterior auricular vein to form the external jugular vein.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The retromandibular vein is the key anatomical structure guiding surgical planes during parotidectomy. The facial nerve divides into its branches within the parotid superficial to the retromandibular vein, which therefore marks the deep limit of safe superficial parotidectomy. The retromandibular vein is used as a depth guide: the facial nerve branches lie superficial to the vein and surgical dissection proceeding deeper than the vein risks facial nerve injury. The vein is encountered when opening the facial nerve identification approach from the mastoid.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Retromandibular Vein as Parotidectomy Depth Landmark

The retromandibular vein within the parotid substance marks the deep plane of the superficial parotid lobe; the facial nerve branches course superficial to the vein across the parotid parenchyma, and inadvertent dissection deep to the vein during superficial parotidectomy risks entering the deep lobe plane and injuring facial nerve branches.