Angular vein

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Angular vein

The angular vein is a blood vessel located in the human body. It is a significant vein in the head and neck region, specifically in the face. The angular vein is formed by the union of the supratrochlear vein and the supraorbital vein.

Anatomy

The angular vein is situated at the medial angle of the eye, also known as the medial canthus. It descends obliquely down the side of the nose, where it becomes the facial vein at the level of the lower margin of the orbit.

Function

The primary function of the angular vein is to drain blood from the forehead and the anterior scalp. It also collects blood from the eyelids and the nose. The blood collected by the angular vein is then transported to the facial vein, which eventually drains into the internal jugular vein.

Clinical Significance

The angular vein is clinically significant due to its connections with the ophthalmic veins and the cavernous sinus. Infections from the face, particularly from the danger triangle of the face, can spread to the cavernous sinus through these venous connections, leading to serious conditions such as cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Related Structures

• Supratrochlear vein
• Supraorbital vein
• Facial vein
• Internal jugular vein
• Ophthalmic veins
• Cavernous sinus

See Also

• Venous system
• Circulatory system
• Head and neck anatomy