facial vein, one of a pair of superficial veins that drain deoxygenated blood from the superficial structures of the face. The facial vein anastomoses with the cavernous sinus through various veins, such as the angular, the supraorbital, and the superior ophthalmic. Because the vein has no valves that prevent the backflow of blood, infections of the skin near the nose and mouth may progress into deeper tissues and lead to meningitis. Blood-borne organisms can reach the cavernous sinus through the anastomoses.
