Preauricular veins (lat. v. preauriculares) are superficial veins of the head located in front of the auricle.
These veins drain blood from the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the anterior area of the auricle. They are tributaries of the transverse facial vein.
The preauricular veins are usually represented by two vessels - the anterior and posterior veins of the preauricular region. They are located in the subcutaneous tissue, passing vertically down the side of the head.
The preauricular veins are anatomically closely connected with the preauricular arteries and nerves of the same name. Therefore, damage to this area can lead to disruption of the blood supply and innervation of the skin in front of the auricle.