The anterior deep temporal artery is a branch of the second part of the maxillary artery, which supplies blood to the anterior portion of the temporalis muscle, a key muscle involved in mastication.
Location
The anterior deep temporal artery arises from the maxillary artery within the infratemporal fossa. It ascends deep to the temporalis muscle and runs along the temporal fossa on the anterior aspect of the muscle. The artery travels upward beneath the muscle fibers, providing blood supply to the anterior portion of the temporalis. It often runs parallel to the posterior deep temporal artery, and both arteries contribute to the vascular supply of the temporalis muscle as they ascend along the temporal bone, deep to the muscle.
Origin
The anterior deep temporal artery originates from the second part of the maxillary artery, which is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery.[8] The maxillary artery has three parts, and the second part lies in the infratemporal fossa. The anterior deep temporal artery branches off from this portion of the maxillary artery to ascend toward the temporalis muscle.
Course and Pathway
Infratemporal Fossa
The anterior deep temporal artery originates in the infratemporal fossa, which is an anatomically complex space located beneath the zygomatic arch and lateral to the pterygoid muscles. This region contains multiple branches of the maxillary artery, as well as the mandibular nerve and pterygoid venous plexus. After its origin from the maxillary artery, the anterior deep temporal artery ascends toward the temporal fossa.
Ascending Pathway
From the infratemporal fossa, the anterior deep temporal artery ascends toward the temporal fossa, traveling deep to the temporalis muscle.[7] It passes anterior to the coronoid process of the mandible, making its way upward through the temporal region. The artery runs along the inner (deep) surface of the temporalis muscle, supplying blood to the anterior portion of this muscle.
Relationship with Surrounding Structures
The anterior deep temporal artery is closely related to several important structures in the infratemporal and temporal regions:
- Temporalis muscle: The anterior deep temporal artery runs deep to the temporalis muscle, supplying the anterior fibers of the muscle. Its close relationship with the muscle allows for direct vascularization of the muscle fibers.
- Zygomatic arch: As the artery ascends, it passes deep to the zygomatic arch, the bony structure that forms part of the lateral boundary of the temporal fossa. The arch acts as a protective structure for the artery as it travels superiorly toward the temporalis muscle.
- Posterior deep temporal artery: The anterior deep temporal artery often runs in parallel with the posterior deep temporal artery, which supplies the posterior portion of the temporalis muscle. Both arteries ascend along the temporal fossa, creating a dual blood supply to the muscle.
Branching
The anterior deep temporal artery gives off several small branches as it ascends through the temporal region, including:
- Muscular branches: These branches penetrate the deep surface of the temporalis muscle, providing blood supply to the anterior portion of the muscle.[6] The anterior deep temporal artery is primarily responsible for nourishing the front part of the temporalis muscle, which is essential for its function in mastication.
- Periosteal branches: As the artery runs along the temporal fossa, it may give off small branches that supply the periosteum (the outer covering of the bone) of the temporal bone, contributing to the health and maintenance of the bony structures of the skull.
Anastomoses
The anterior deep temporal artery forms important anastomoses with nearby arteries, ensuring that the temporalis muscle and surrounding structures have a consistent and adequate blood supply. These anastomoses include:
- Posterior deep temporal artery: The anterior deep temporal artery anastomoses with the posterior deep temporal artery, which supplies the posterior part of the temporalis muscle. This connection allows for a comprehensive blood supply to the entire temporalis muscle.
- Superficial temporal artery: The anterior deep temporal artery may also form small anastomoses with branches of the superficial temporal artery, a terminal branch of the external carotid artery that supplies the scalp and temporal region. This connection ensures that the vascular supply to the temporalis muscle and overlying tissues remains sufficient.
- Middle meningeal artery: There may be minor anastomoses between the anterior deep temporal artery and the middle meningeal artery, another branch of the maxillary artery. This connection contributes to the blood supply of the dura mater and the temporal region.
Distribution
The anterior deep temporal artery primarily supplies the following structures:
- Anterior portion of the temporalis muscle: As the artery runs deep to the temporalis muscle, it provides oxygenated blood to the anterior fibers of the muscle, ensuring their proper function and health.
- Temporal fossa: The artery supplies the temporal fossa, including the periosteum of the temporal bone, contributing to the health of the surrounding bone and soft tissues.
- Skull: Small branches from the anterior deep temporal artery provide vascular support to the periosteum of the skull, particularly in the anterior region of the temporal fossa.
Relations with the Temporalis Fascia and Temporal Bone
The anterior deep temporal artery runs deep to the temporalis fascia and along the temporal bone.[5] As it travels along the temporal fossa, it maintains a close relationship with the periosteum of the temporal bone. This position allows it to contribute to the vascular supply of both the temporalis muscle and the overlying fascia and bone. Its deep location within the muscle fibers protects it from external injury during jaw movements and chewing.
Variations
Anatomical variations of the anterior deep temporal artery are generally rare but may occur. Some individuals may have variations in the size, course, or branching pattern of the artery. Additionally, the anastomoses with other arteries may vary slightly, affecting the overall blood supply to the temporalis muscle and temporal region.
Function
The anterior deep temporal artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the temporalis muscle, particularly its anterior portion. This artery is essential for maintaining the functionality and health of the temporalis muscle, which is involved in movements of the jaw during chewing (mastication). Below is a detailed explanation of the artery’s functions.
Blood Supply to the Temporalis Muscle
The primary function of the anterior deep temporal artery is to supply blood to the anterior portion of the temporalis muscle, which plays a key role in mastication.[4]
- Muscle Nourishment: The temporalis muscle requires a rich blood supply for its function in elevating and retracting the mandible. The anterior deep temporal artery ensures the anterior fibers of the temporalis muscle are nourished with oxygen and nutrients, maintaining muscle strength and endurance during chewing.
- Muscle Function: The anterior part of the temporalis muscle is primarily involved in elevating the mandible (lifting the lower jaw to close the mouth) and is critical for biting down on food. The blood supply from the anterior deep temporal artery supports this function by maintaining the health and contractile ability of the muscle fibers.
Support for Jaw Movements
The anterior deep temporal artery indirectly supports jaw movements by ensuring the temporalis muscle has an adequate blood supply, which allows it to carry out its primary function of moving the mandible.
- Elevation of the Mandible: The anterior fibers of the temporalis muscle, which are directly supplied by the anterior deep temporal artery, are primarily responsible for elevating the mandible. This movement is essential for closing the jaw during chewing and biting. Proper blood flow to these muscle fibers ensures they can contract and lift the mandible efficiently.
- Precision in Chewing: By ensuring that the anterior portion of the temporalis muscle remains healthy and functional, the artery plays an essential role in the precise control of chewing movements. This control allows for fine motor adjustments during mastication, preventing damage to the teeth and gums while breaking down food.
Contribution to Mastication Efficiency
The anterior deep temporal artery plays a critical role in ensuring that the temporalis muscle functions effectively during mastication. Proper blood supply ensures that the muscle can generate enough force for chewing, particularly when processing tough or fibrous foods.
- Strength of Jaw Movements: The anterior fibers of the temporalis muscle are involved in generating force during chewing, especially when biting down or grinding food. The anterior deep temporal artery ensures that these muscle fibers remain well-oxygenated and capable of maintaining the strength of jaw movements required for efficient mastication.
- Endurance of Muscle During Chewing: Chewing often requires repetitive, sustained movements of the jaw. The blood supply from the anterior deep temporal artery provides the temporalis muscle with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to sustain prolonged periods of activity without fatigue, supporting the endurance of the muscle during chewing.
Blood Supply to the Temporal Fossa
In addition to nourishing the temporalis muscle, the anterior deep temporal artery also contributes to the blood supply of the temporal fossa, which includes the periosteum (the outer layer of the bone) and the soft tissues of the region.
- Bone Health and Nourishment: The artery provides small branches that supply the periosteum of the temporal bone.[3] This blood supply helps maintain the health of the temporal bone, which supports the temporalis muscle and plays an essential role in the structure of the skull.
- Soft Tissue Support: The blood supply to the soft tissues of the temporal fossa, including connective tissues and fascia, is important for maintaining the integrity and function of the entire region. Proper vascularization of these tissues ensures that the temporal region remains healthy and capable of supporting the movements of the jaw.
Contribution to Collateral Circulation
The anterior deep temporal artery forms important anastomoses with nearby arteries, ensuring a consistent and adequate blood supply to the temporalis muscle and the temporal region.
- Anastomosis with Posterior Deep Temporal Artery: The anterior deep temporal artery anastomoses with the posterior deep temporal artery, ensuring that the entire temporalis muscle (both anterior and posterior portions) has a consistent and reliable blood supply. This anastomosis provides collateral circulation, allowing blood to reach the muscle even if one of the arteries is compromised.
- Anastomosis with Superficial Temporal Artery: The artery may also form anastomoses with the superficial temporal artery, further enhancing the vascular supply to the temporalis muscle and adjacent soft tissues.[2] These connections ensure the muscle remains well-nourished under different physiological conditions, such as increased demand during chewing.
Role in Healing and Tissue Repair
The anterior deep temporal artery plays an important role in tissue repair and healing after injury or surgery involving the temporalis muscle or the temporal region.
- Muscle Healing: In cases of trauma or surgical intervention involving the temporalis muscle, the blood flow provided by the anterior deep temporal artery supports healing by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. This supply accelerates the regeneration of muscle fibers and ensures a quicker recovery of function.
- Bone Healing: The artery also contributes to the healing of the temporal bone in cases of fracture or surgical repair. By supplying blood to the periosteum, the artery ensures that the bone receives the nutrients necessary for new bone formation and healing.
Support for Facial Movements
Although primarily involved in chewing, the temporalis muscle also contributes to facial movements and expressions by controlling the position of the jaw. The anterior deep temporal artery indirectly supports these functions by maintaining the health of the temporalis muscle.
- Jaw Positioning: Proper blood supply to the temporalis muscle ensures that the muscle can maintain the correct position of the jaw, which is important for speech, facial expressions, and other fine motor movements of the face.
- Aesthetic Support: The temporalis muscle contributes to the overall contour and structure of the temporal region, and proper blood supply ensures the muscle remains toned and healthy, which can affect the aesthetics of the face.
Clinical Significance
The anterior deep temporal artery is clinically significant due to its role in supplying blood to the anterior portion of the temporalis muscle, which is essential for jaw movement and mastication.[1] Its location and proximity to other important structures make it relevant during maxillofacial surgeries and dental procedures involving the temporalis muscle or temporal region. Injury to this artery during surgical interventions, such as craniofacial reconstructions or treatment of temporal fractures, can lead to excessive bleeding or hematoma formation.
Additionally, the artery’s contribution to collateral circulation with nearby arteries, such as the posterior deep temporal artery and superficial temporal artery, helps ensure consistent blood supply to the temporalis muscle, making it a critical consideration during surgeries in the temporal and infratemporal regions.