logo Einloggen

Corpus: Superficial temporal artery

1. Definition

The superficial temporal artery is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery.

2. Course

The superficial temporal artery is slightly smaller than the maxillary artery, the other terminal branch of the external carotid artery. It originates in the tissue of the parotid gland behind the neck of the mandible, initially continuing the direction of the external carotid artery.

The artery then crosses the posterior part of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. It is covered by the auricularis anterior muscle and dense layers of fascia, and is accompanied by the auriculotemporal nerve. Facial branches also cross the artery. Further cranially, the superficial temporal artery splits into a frontal branch and a parietal branch.

The vessel anastomoses with the supraorbital artery and other arteries in the head region.

3. Branches

The superficial temporal artery gives off smaller branches to the parotid gland, the temporomandibular joint, and the masseter muscle. Other larger branches include:

The zygomaticoorbital branch is inconstant and sometimes originates from the middle temporal artery. It extends into the eye region, supplying the orbicularis oculi muscle and the eyelids with arterial blood.

4. Clinic

The pulse of the superficial temporal artery ("temporal pulse") can be felt above the zygomatic arch, slightly anterosuperior to the tragus.

In giant cell arteritis, the superficial temporal artery may be palpable as a thickened cord in the temporal region and may be painful on palpation. A temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is performed to detect the disease.

In neurosurgery, the superficial temporal artery and its branches are used for revascularization in various hypoperfusion syndromes, such as atherosclerotic occlusions, Moyamoya disease, or complex middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms.

5. Literature

  • Aumüller et al, Duale Reihe Anatomie: Mit Online-Zugang (5th updated edition), Thieme, 2020
Stichworte: Artery, Corpus, Head

Empfehlung

Shop News Jobs CME Flexa Piccer
NEU: Log dich ein, um Artikel in persönlichen Favoriten-Listen zu speichern.
A
A
A

Teilen Was zeigt hierher Versionsgeschichte Artikel erstellen Discord
Dr. rer. nat. Fabienne Reh
DocCheck Team
Dr. Frank Antwerpes
Arzt | Ärztin
Diese Funktion steht nur eingeloggten Abonnenten zur Verfügung
Letzter Edit:
11.07.2024, 14:12
27 Aufrufe
Nutzung: BY-NC-SA
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...