Dorsal Nasal Vein, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the superficial venous plexus over the nasal dorsum, the dorsal nasal vein ascends toward the medial canthus, where it communicates with the angular vein and the superior ophthalmic vein along the anteromedial margin of the orbit. In lateral profile, the vessel tracks superiorly on the nasal bones and frontal process of the maxilla, anterior to the lacrimal sac and medial to the orbital rim. Surrounding landmarks include the nasal cavity, maxilla, zygomatic bone, mandible, and dentition, with facial arteries and veins superimposed to clarify surface relationships. Venous anatomy at the inner canthus matters because it defines a classic extracranial to intracranial connection through the ophthalmic veins to the cavernous sinus, an anatomic route implicated in septic cavernous sinus thrombosis from infections in the so-called danger triangle of the face. Small caliber, variable, and frequently overlooked, the dorsal nasal vein also becomes relevant in medial canthal and rhinoplasty approaches, where dissection near the lacrimal apparatus can provoke troublesome bleeding or postoperative ecchymosis. A key teaching point sits here. Valveless venous channels permit bidirectional flow. Educators can place this illustration into head and neck anatomy curricula, ophthalmology blocks covering the lacrimal system, and surgical teaching files for endoscopic sinus surgery, medial canthopexy, and facial trauma repair. It also supports textbook and journal figures discussing periorbital infection spread, venous drainage patterns of the nose, and safe injection planes for nasal dorsal fillers. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.