Retromandibular vein

The retromandibular vein (temporomaxillary vein, posterior facial vein) is a major vein of the face.
Structure.
The retromandibular vein is formed by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins. It descends in the substance of the parotid gland, superficial to the external carotid artery (but beneath the facial nerve), between the ramus of the mandible and the sternocleidomastoideus muscle.
It divides into two branches:
Function.
The retromandibular vein provides venous drainage to the superior cranium, and significant drainage to the ear.
Clinical significance.
Parrot's sign is a sensation of pain when pressure is applied to the retromandibular region.