Anatomical Course and Relations
The artery arises behind the neck of the mandible, ascends through the parotid gland, and crosses superficially over the root of the zygomatic arch. Superior to the arch, it divides into its terminal branches. In the temporal region, it projects vertically just anterior to the tragus (tragus). Medial to the vessel runs the auriculotemporal nerve (n. auriculotemporalis). When planning scalp flaps, the base of the flap is oriented inferiorly toward the skull base to preserve blood supply, typically relying on the a. temporalis superficialis.
Branches of the Superficial Temporal Artery
Superior to the zygomatic arch, the artery divides into two main terminal branches:
- Frontal branch (r. frontalis) — travels anteriorly to supply the frontalis muscle, orbicularis oculi, and scalp of the forehead.
- Parietal branch (r. parietalis) — courses posteriorly to supply the scalp in the parietal region and forms anastomoses with the contralateral side.
Additional branches given off along its course include:
- Parotid branches (rr. parotidei) — supply the parotid gland.
- Transverse facial artery (a. transversa faciei) — runs across the face to supply facial muscles.
- Anterior auricular branches (rr. auriculares anteriores) — supply the auricle.
- Middle temporal artery (a. temporalis media) — pierces the temporal fascia to supply the temporalis muscle (m. temporalis).
- Zygomaticoorbital artery (a. zygomaticoorbitalis) — runs along the upper border of the zygomatic arch toward the lateral canthus to anastomose with the lacrimal artery.
Anastomoses
The branches of the superficial temporal artery form a rich anastomotic network:
- The frontal branch anastomoses with the supraorbital artery (a. supraorbitalis), creating a vital link between the external and internal carotid artery systems.
- The parietal branch anastomoses with the occipital artery (a. occipitalis).
- Branches of the left and right superficial temporal arteries freely interconnect.
- In internal carotid artery stenosis, a potential collateral pathway is established: superficial temporal artery → angular artery → ophthalmic artery → retrograde filling of the internal carotid siphon.
Clinical Significance
The pulse of the a. temporalis superficialis is frequently used to assess blood pressure and evaluate conditions such as temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis). When planning soft-tissue scalp flaps, the base of the flap is placed inferiorly toward the base of the skull to maintain viability via the superficial temporal blood supply.