The temporal veins are several veins found in the head that drain into the temporal region, located on each side of the head. 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, away from the skin.
Deep temporal veins drain into the region known as the pterygoid plexus. The pterygoid plexus is located between 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 oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Once blood reaches the temporal veins, it is 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 these veins, including the transverse facial veins, are located in the face.