Superior Temporal Line Of The Parietal Bone

Description

Superior temporal line on the parietal bone forms a palpable curved ridge along the lateral calvaria, arching posteriorly and superiorly above the temporal fossa. From this fixed lateral perspective, the ridge sits superior to the squamous part of the temporal bone and posterior to the frontal bone, approaching the region of the coronal suture anteriorly and the lambdoid suture posteriorly. Inferior to it, the broad concavity of the temporal fossa begins, while the adjacent inferior temporal line (when included) typically runs parallel and slightly inferior, marking the deeper extent of temporalis muscle attachment. Bony surface relief is the point. Surgeons and educators care about this landmark because it separates attachment territories: the temporal fascia anchors along the superior temporal line, while temporalis arises from the temporal fossa below, and that boundary predicts where dissection will encounter dense fascia versus muscle belly. During pterional or frontotemporal craniotomy planning, the line helps orient the superior limit of temporalis reflection and guides placement of a skin incision and fascial split to reduce postoperative temporalis atrophy and cosmetic hollowing. In trauma, fractures crossing the parietal squama and temporal lines can be correlated with the contour of the temporal fossa and the course of the middle meningeal artery deeper in the pterion region, a common teaching association when discussing epidural hematoma. Use this illustration in gross anatomy lab manuals, osteology modules, and surgical anatomy figures where readers need an external bony landmark to relate the temporalis and its fascia to the skull’s lateral wall. It also suits atlas plates on the cranium and head and neck operative approach overviews. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.