Superficial Temporal Artery

Description

Arising within the parotid region posterior to the neck of the mandible, the superficial temporal artery ascends superficial to the temporalis fascia as it crosses the zygomatic arch, accompanied by the auriculotemporal nerve and the superficial temporal vein. Superior to the arch it divides into its terminal frontal (anterior) and parietal (posterior) branches, which fan over the temporal scalp in the loose areolar tissue superficial to the temporalis muscle. Adjacent landmarks include the masseter and temporalis muscles, the external ear, and the lateral orbital region where small zygomaticoorbital and transverse facial contributions may be suggested. For clinicians, this course matters because the superficial temporal artery is both a common palpable pulse point and a frequent target during scalp and preauricular procedures. Temporal artery biopsy for suspected giant cell arteritis is typically performed along the frontal branch, where a segment can be harvested while avoiding the temporal branch of the facial nerve as it traverses the superficial musculoaponeurotic system toward frontalis. Bleeding from lacerations over the zygomatic arch can be brisk, and the vessel’s superficial position also explains pseudoaneurysm formation after blunt trauma. Teaching teams use this plate to orient students to layered anatomy of the lateral face and scalp, pairing the arterial pattern with regional nerves and muscles of mastication in head and neck anatomy, dental, and ENT curricula. It also suits surgical atlases, emergency medicine references on scalp hemostasis, and rheumatology materials discussing biopsy landmarks in giant cell arteritis. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.