Posterior auricular vein

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 16 Feb 2024

The posterior auricular vein is tributary of the external jugular vein or retromandibular vein.

Gross anatomy

Origin and course

It arises over the mastoid process of the temporal bone draining the skin behind the ear and courses anteriorly into the parotid gland, draining into the external jugular vein.

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