Angular vein

Structure

The angular vein is the upper part of the facial vein, above its junction with the superior labial vein. It anastomoses with the supratrochlear vein, and the supraorbital vein. Its connection with the supraorbital vein forms the superior ophthalmic vein that drains through the orbit. This also connects it with the inferior ophthalmic vein and the cavernous sinus. These do not have valves. The angular vein itself may not contain valves. It receives the lateral nasal veins from the ala of the nose, and the inferior palpebral vein.

The angular vein lies lateral to the angular nerve. It runs obliquely downward by the side of the nose. It passes under zygomaticus major muscle. It joins with the superior labial vein.

Function

The angular vein drains the medial canthus, and parts of the nose and the upper lip.

Clinical significance

The angular vein may be affected by a thrombus. This can create problems for endovascular treatment.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Any infection of the mouth or face (such as the danger triangle of the face) can spread to the cavernous sinus via the angular veins. This is particularly as the veins are valveless. This can cause thrombosis. Squeezing pimples in this area should be avoided.

Additional images

Image:Gray515.png|Bloodvessels of the eyelids, front view. Image:Lateral head anatomy detail.jpg|Lateral head anatomy detail Image:Head ap anatomy.jpg|Head anatomy anterior view

References

References

1. (1 April 2006). "Angular nerve: New insights on innervation of the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles". Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.
2. Remington, Lee Ann. (2012). "Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual System". [[Butterworth-Heinemann]].
3. (2010). "Ophthalmic and facial veins are not valveless". Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.
4. (2004-01-01). "Selective brain cooling seems to be a mechanism leading to human craniofacial diversity observed in different geographical regions". Medical Hypotheses.
5. (2021). "Cerebral Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas". [[Academic Press]].
6. Önerci, T. Metin. (2009). "Diagnosis in Otorhinolaryngology". Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.