Any vein located in the head is considered a temporal vein. Temporal veins are several veins found in the head that drain into the temporal region. Veins are designated as either superficial or deep. Superficial veins are close to the surface of the skin. The deep temporal veins are located deep within the body and far from the skin. A deep temporal vein drains into the region known as the pterygoid plexus. The pterygoid plexus is located above the lateral pterygoid muscle, which is the upper part of the cheek and the temporalis muscle, near the temple. Veins in the body function to carry blood along a transportation system to the heart. Blood is pumped through different branches, until it reaches the temporal veins, and then carried to the heart for oxygenation. The deep temporal veins pick up blood from the parotid veins, anterior auricular veins, transverse facial vein, and articular veins. Several of the veins, including the transverse facial veins are located in the face and push unhealthy blood into the temporal vein.