Corpus: Deep temporal nerves

The nervi temporales profundi carry motor fibres of the mandibular nerve to the temporal muscle.

There are two branches of the deep temporal nerves:

• The anterior branch often runs alongside the sensory buccal nerve and travels cranially to the upper head of the external pterygoid muscle.
• The posterior branch lies on the back of the temporal fossa and sometimes originates together with the masseteric nerve.

The deep temporal nerves innervate the temporalis muscle, providing motor function.