The superficial temporal artery is an artery of the face and scalp. It is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery.
It contributes to the blood supply of structures within the face and scalp.
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Course
The superficial temporal artery arises within the substance of the parotid gland, at the level of mandibular neck. It is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery.
Within the parotid gland, the artery gives rise to the transverse facial artery. It then travels superiorly, passing anterior to the external ear and over the zygomatic arch. At this level, three branches arise:
- Zygomatico-orbital artery
- Middle temporal artery
- Anterior auricular artery
The superficial temporal artery terminates within the temporal fossa on the lateral aspect of the skull by dividing into frontal and parietal branches, which supply the forehead and scalp respectively.
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Branches and Supply
The superficial temporal artery supplies structures of the face via numerous branches:
- Transverse facial artery – supplies the parotid gland and duct, orbicularis oris muscle, and masseter muscle.
- Middle temporal artery – supplies the temporalis muscle.
- Zygomatico-orbital artery – supplies the orbicularis oculi muscle.
- Anterior auricular artery – supplies the external ear.
- Parietal terminal branch – supplies the structures of the parietal scalp.
- Frontal terminal branch – supplies the structures of the lateral forehead.