Maxillary veins

Maxillary Veins are veins located in the face, specifically in the maxillary region. They are responsible for draining blood from the facial region back to the heart.

Etymology

The term "Maxillary" is derived from the Latin word "maxilla" which means jawbone. The term "vein" comes from the Latin word "vena" which means blood vessel.

Anatomy

The maxillary veins are paired veins, one on each side of the face. They originate from the pterygoid plexus, a network of small veins located in the infratemporal fossa. The maxillary veins run posteriorly and laterally, draining blood from the maxillary region and the face. They eventually join the Superficial Temporal Vein to form the Retromandibular Vein.

Function

The primary function of the maxillary veins is to drain deoxygenated blood from the facial region. This includes blood from the maxillary region, the cheek, the nose, and the upper lip. The blood is then returned to the heart via the retromandibular vein and the Internal Jugular Vein.

Clinical Significance

Due to their location, the maxillary veins can be affected by various conditions. These include facial trauma, infections, and tumors. In some cases, the maxillary veins may need to be surgically accessed for procedures such as venous catheterization.

Related Terms

• Pterygoid Plexus
• Infratemporal Fossa
• Superficial Temporal Vein
• Retromandibular Vein
• Internal Jugular Vein

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