maxillary vein maxillary vein the maxillary vein, or internal maxillary vein, is a vein of the head. it is a short trunk which accompanies the first part of the maxillary artery. maxillary veinveins of the head and neck. (internal maxillary vein visible at center.)lateral head anatomy detaildetailsdrains toretromandibular veinarterymaxillary arteryidentifierslatinvena maxillarista98a12.3.05.035ta24835fma70850anatomical terminology it is formed by a confluence of the veins of the pterygoid plexus and the interpterygoid emissary vein, and passes posteriorly between the sphenomandibular ligament and the neck of the mandible. it unites with the superficial temporal vein to form the retromandibular vein. structure the maxillary vein is a short trunk which accompanies the first part of the maxillary artery. it is formed from the merging of the veins of the pterygoid plexus, and the interpterygoid emissary vein. it passes posteriorly between the sphenomandibular ligament and the neck of the mandible. it unites with the superficial temporal vein. it drains into the retromandibular vein (posterior facial vein). the maxillary vein anastomoses with the retroglenoid vein. development the maxillary vein may be the embryological origin of the central retinal vein. history the maxillary vein may also be known as the internal maxillary vein. other animals the maxillary vein is found in many other mammals. additional images head anatomy anterior view