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Superior Labial Vein

vena labialis superior

The superior labial vein drains the upper lip, anastomosing with the inferior labial vein at the commissure and draining into the facial vein. It runs in the upper lip submucosa parallel to the superior labial artery. Its valveless connection to the facial vein and the deep facial vein creates an anastomotic pathway to the cavernous sinus — the anatomical basis of the facial danger triangle.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The superior labial vein is part of the facial venous system contributing to the danger triangle of the face: infections of the upper lip and nasal philtrum can spread through valveless veins to the cavernous sinus via the superior ophthalmic vein. Furuncles and infected acne in this region should not be squeezed to prevent retrograde septic embolism. The superior labial vein is encountered in cleft lip repair and upper lip reconstruction, where its branches require careful haemostasis.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Danger Triangle Facial Infection Via Superior Labial Vein

Upper lip cellulitis tracking through the superior labial vein and its anastomoses with the facial and angular veins can propagate retrograde through the superior ophthalmic vein to the cavernous sinus, producing cavernous sinus thrombosis with proptosis, chemosis, and septic meningitis; aggressive parenteral antibiotics and anticoagulation treat the thrombosis.