Superficial Temporal Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the external carotid artery within the parotid region, the superficial temporal artery courses superiorly, passing anterior to the auricle and superficial to the temporalis fascia as it crosses the root of the zygomatic arch. From the anterior perspective, its frontal (anterior) and parietal (posterior) terminal rami diverge in the temporoparietal scalp, with smaller arterioles extending across the lateral forehead and vertex. Deep to this superficial pathway sit the mandibular ramus and temporomandibular joint region, while the maxillary artery remains deeper in the infratemporal fossa. The accompanying superficial temporal vein typically parallels the artery. Clear depiction of this vessel in relation to the zygomatic arch matters in both clinic and theatre. Palpation of the superficial temporal artery pulse just anterior to the tragus is a routine bedside landmark, and tenderness or thickening along its course raises concern for giant cell (temporal) arteritis, where delayed recognition risks ischemic optic neuropathy and vision loss. Surgeons also track the frontal ramus during temporal and preauricular approaches, because it runs in the same superficial tissue plane as the temporal branches of the facial nerve, a common pitfall in facelifts and parotid surgery. Teaching blocks on scalp vascular supply benefit from a view that ties soft tissue vessels to bony landmarks, especially when introducing anastomoses with the supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries and planning flap design. This artwork also suits ENT and maxillofacial texts covering temporomandibular joint exposure, temporal artery biopsy technique, and superficial temporal artery based grafts or bypass procedures in neurosurgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.