Temporal artery

Temporal artery

The Temporal artery is a major blood vessel in the head. It is a branch of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to the scalp, face, and parts of the meninges and calvaria. The temporal artery is divided into two main branches: the anterior temporal artery and the posterior temporal artery.

Anatomy

The temporal artery originates from the external carotid artery just above the level of the neck's thyroid cartilage. It ascends to the scalp, passing over the zygomatic arch and through the temporal fascia. It then divides into its two main branches, the anterior and posterior temporal arteries.

Anterior Temporal Artery

The anterior temporal artery travels upward and forward to the forehead. It supplies blood to the scalp, forehead, and parts of the meninges and calvaria.

Posterior Temporal Artery

The posterior temporal artery travels upward and backward to the back of the head. It supplies blood to the scalp, ear, and parts of the meninges and calvaria.

Clinical significance

The temporal artery is often used in medical procedures, such as the temporal artery biopsy, which is used to diagnose giant cell arteritis. It can also be affected by conditions such as temporal arteritis, which causes inflammation and damage to the arteries.

See also

• Carotid artery
• External carotid artery
• Internal carotid artery
• Temporal arteritis
• Giant cell arteritis

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References

External links

• Healthline: Temporal Artery
• NCBI: Temporal Artery