Middle temporal artery: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:59, 15 February 2025

Middle Temporal Artery[edit]

Diagram of the arteries of the face and scalp, showing the middle temporal artery.

The middle temporal artery is a small artery located in the temporal region of the head. It is a branch of the superficial temporal artery, which is itself a terminal branch of the external carotid artery.

Anatomy[edit]

The middle temporal artery arises from the superficial temporal artery, which is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery. The superficial temporal artery ascends over the zygomatic arch and divides into several branches, one of which is the middle temporal artery.

The middle temporal artery travels superiorly and posteriorly, passing over the temporalis muscle. It supplies blood to the temporalis muscle and the overlying scalp.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the middle temporal artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the temporalis muscle, which is involved in the movement of the mandible during mastication. Additionally, it provides blood to the scalp in the temporal region.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The middle temporal artery can be involved in certain medical conditions, such as temporal arteritis, which is an inflammation of the temporal arteries that can lead to headaches, scalp tenderness, and even vision problems if not treated promptly.

In surgical procedures involving the temporal region, care must be taken to avoid damaging the middle temporal artery to prevent excessive bleeding and ensure adequate blood supply to the temporalis muscle and scalp.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Middle Temporal Artery'''
+== Middle Temporal Artery ==
-The '''Middle Temporal Artery''' is a significant artery located in the human body. It is a branch of the [[Superficial Temporal Artery]], which is itself a major branch of the [[External Carotid Artery]]. The Middle Temporal Artery supplies blood to the [[Temporalis muscle]], a broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that covers much of the [[Temporal bone]].
+[[File:Gray137.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the arteries of the face and scalp, showing the middle temporal artery.]]
-==Etymology==
+The '''middle temporal artery''' is a small artery located in the [[temporal region]] of the [[head]]. It is a branch of the [[superficial temporal artery]], which is itself a terminal branch of the [[external carotid artery]].
-The term "Middle Temporal Artery" is derived from its location and function. The word "middle" refers to its position between the superficial and deep layers of the Temporalis muscle. "Temporal" is derived from the Latin word "tempus," which means "time." This is because the Temporalis muscle, which the artery supplies, is located near the temples, a region of the head that often shows the first signs of aging, or the passage of time.
+=== Anatomy ===
-==Anatomy==
+The middle temporal artery arises from the superficial temporal artery, which is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery. The superficial temporal artery ascends over the [[zygomatic arch]] and divides into several branches, one of which is the middle temporal artery.
-The Middle Temporal Artery arises from the Superficial Temporal Artery in the substance of the [[Parotid gland]], a major salivary gland located in front of the ear. It then ascends to the temporal region, where it ramifies beneath the [[Fascia]], supplying the Temporalis muscle and anastomosing with the [[Deep Temporal Arteries]].
+The middle temporal artery travels superiorly and posteriorly, passing over the [[temporalis muscle]]. It supplies blood to the temporalis muscle and the overlying [[scalp]].
-==Clinical Significance==
+=== Function ===
-The Middle Temporal Artery, like other arteries, can be affected by various medical conditions. For instance, [[Atherosclerosis]], a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries, can lead to the narrowing of the Middle Temporal Artery, reducing blood flow to the Temporalis muscle. This can cause symptoms such as headache and muscle weakness.
+The primary function of the middle temporal artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the temporalis muscle, which is involved in the movement of the [[mandible]] during [[mastication]]. Additionally, it provides blood to the scalp in the temporal region.
-==Related Terms==
+=== Clinical Significance ===
-* [[Superficial Temporal Artery]]: The parent artery of the Middle Temporal Artery.
+The middle temporal artery can be involved in certain medical conditions, such as [[temporal arteritis]], which is an inflammation of the temporal arteries that can lead to headaches, scalp tenderness, and even vision problems if not treated promptly.
-* [[External Carotid Artery]]: The artery from which the Superficial Temporal Artery arises.
-* [[Temporalis muscle]]: The muscle that the Middle Temporal Artery supplies.
+In surgical procedures involving the [[temporal region]], care must be taken to avoid damaging the middle temporal artery to prevent excessive bleeding and ensure adequate blood supply to the temporalis muscle and scalp.
-* [[Temporal bone]]: The bone over which the Temporalis muscle is located.
-* [[Parotid gland]]: The gland in which the Middle Temporal Artery originates.
+== Related Pages ==
-* [[Fascia]]: The connective tissue beneath which the Middle Temporal Artery ramifies.
-* [[Deep Temporal Arteries]]: The arteries with which the Middle Temporal Artery anastomoses.
+* [[Superficial temporal artery]]
-* [[Atherosclerosis]]: A disease that can affect the Middle Temporal Artery.
+* [[External carotid artery]]
+* [[Temporalis muscle]]
+* [[Temporal arteritis]]
 [[Category:Arteries of the head and neck]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
-{{stub}}