Common facial vein

Looks like

A short vein just below the angle of the jaw, formed where the facial vein meets the front branch of the retromandibular vein.

What it does

Carries blood from the face and the side of the head into the internal jugular vein.

Keeping it well

A landmark in neck surgery; it is usually tied off safely during operations on the carotid artery or glands of the neck.

Its parts

• Facial vein
• Anterior division of retromandibular vein

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins