OF THE HEAD AND NECK. 



537 



inferior palatine, which returns the blood from the plexus around the tonsil and 

 soft palate; the submaxillary vein, which commences in the submaxillary gland; 

 and lastly, the ranine vein. 



Fig. 303. Veins of the Head and Neck. 



The Temporal Vein commences by a minute plexus on the side and vertex of 

 the skull, which communicates with the frontal vein in front, the corresponding 

 vein of the opposite side, and the posterior auricular and occipital veins behind. 

 From this network, anterior and posterior branches are formed which unite 

 above the zygoma, forming the trunk of the vein. This trunk is joined in this 

 situation by a large vein, the middle temporal, which receives the blood from 

 the substance of the Temporal muscle and pierces the fascia at the upper border 

 of the zygoma. The temporal vein then descends between the external auditory 

 meatus and the condyle of the jaw, enters the substance of the parotid gland, 

 and unites with the internal maxillary vein, to form the temporo-maxillary. 



Branches. The temporal vein receives in its course some parotid veins, an 

 articular branch from the articulation of the jaw, anterior auricular veins from 

 the external ear, and a vein of large size, the transverse facial, from the side of 

 the face. 



