Danger triangle of the face

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The danger triangle of the face consists of the area from the corners of the mouth to the bridge of the nose, including the nose and maxilla. Due to the special nature of the blood supply to the human nose and surrounding area, it is possible (although very rare) for retrograde infections from the nasal area to spread to the brain.

This is possible because of venous communication (via the ophthalmic vein) between the facial vein and the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus lies within the cranial cavity, between layers of the meninges and is a major conduit of venous drainage from the brain.

Unlike other veins of the circulatory system, veins of the head do not contain one way valves, therefore blood can flow away from the skull and exit the face inferiorly, or flow back into the skull to be drained via the internal jugular vein. This is of concern as any infection within the "danger triangle," if entered the blood stream, can pass into the brain, thus spreading infection.

An example of this, is the disease of Meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges (coverings of the brain.)