Superficial temporal artery

Superficial temporal artery

Outline of side of face, showing chief surface markings. (Superficial temporal a. visible at center, to left of ear.)

Superficial dissection of the right side of the neck, showing the carotid and subclavian arteries.
Details
Source External carotid artery
Branches Transverse facial artery
Middle temporal artery
Anterior auricular branch
frontal branch
parietal branch
Vein superficial temporal vein
Supplies temple, scalp
Identifiers
Latin arteria temporalis superficialis
Dorlands
/Elsevier		 a_61/12156279
TA A12.2.05.045
FMA 49650

Anatomical terminology

In human anatomy, the superficial temporal artery is a major artery of the head. It arises from the external carotid artery when it bifurcates into the superficial temporal artery and maxillary artery.

Its pulse is palpable superior to the zygomatic arch, anterior and superior to the tragus.

Course

The superficial temporal artery is the smaller of two terminal branches that bifurcate superiorly from the external carotid. Based on its direction, the superficial temporal artery appears to be a continuation of the external carotid.

It begins in the substance of the parotid gland, behind the neck of the mandible, and passes superficially over the posterior root of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone; about 5 cm. above this process it divides into two branches, a frontal and a parietal.

Relations

As it crosses the zygomatic process, it is covered by the Auricularis anterior muscle, and by a dense fascia; it is crossed by the temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve and one or two veins, and is accompanied by the auriculotemporal nerve, which lies immediately behind it.

The superficial temporal artery anastomoses with (among others) the supraorbital artery of the internal carotid artery.

Clinical relevance

The superficial temporal artery is often affected in giant-cell arteritis and biopsied if the diagnosis is suspected.

Migraine attacks can occur when the temporal artery enlarges.

Additional images

References

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