Superficial Temporal Artery
The superficial temporal artery is one of the terminal branches of the external carotid artery. It ascends through the parotid region, crosses the zygomatic arch immediately anterior to the ear, and continues into the temporal scalp, where its pulsation can often be palpated.
The superficial temporal artery is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery and an important vessel of the lateral scalp. Its superficial position in the temporal region makes it one of the most readily palpable arteries of the head.
The artery ascends from the parotid region and crosses the zygomatic arch anterior to the auricle. At this location, its pulsation can often be felt by placing the fingertips just in front of the ear.
It then continues superiorly within the superficial tissues of the temporal scalp and divides into major frontal and parietal branches that contribute to the rich arterial supply of the scalp.
Origin
The superficial temporal artery usually begins as one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery.
The other terminal branch is the maxillary artery.
External Carotid Termination
The external carotid artery terminates within the parotid gland, typically behind the neck of the mandible.
At this point it divides into the superficial temporal and maxillary arteries.
Course
From its origin in the parotid region, the superficial temporal artery ascends toward the root of the zygomatic arch.
It then crosses the arch and enters the superficial temporal region of the scalp.
Surface Location
The artery is most easily located immediately anterior to the tragus of the ear and superior to the zygomatic arch.
Its superficial course allows the arterial pulsation to be felt through the skin.
Palpable Pulse
The superficial temporal pulse can usually be palpated just anterior to the ear.
The fingertips are placed gently over the artery where it crosses the zygomatic arch.
How to Palpate the Superficial Temporal Artery
- Identify the tragus of the external ear.
- Move the fingertips slightly anterior to the tragus.
- Locate the zygomatic arch beneath the skin.
- Apply gentle pressure over the artery as it crosses the arch.
- Feel for the arterial pulsation.
Tragus Landmark
The tragus is a useful external landmark for locating the artery.
The superficial temporal artery generally ascends immediately anterior to this cartilaginous projection of the auricle.
Zygomatic Arch Landmark
The zygomatic arch provides a firm bony landmark beneath the artery.
Because the vessel crosses the arch superficially, this region is especially useful for pulse palpation.
Relationship to the Parotid Gland
The proximal superficial temporal artery passes through the superior part of the parotid gland.
It emerges from the gland and continues superiorly toward the temporal scalp.
Relationship to the Auricle
The artery ascends anterior to the auricle.
Branches from the superficial temporal arterial system contribute to the blood supply of portions of the external ear and adjacent scalp.
Relationship to the Temporalis Region
After crossing the zygomatic arch, the vessel ascends through the superficial tissues overlying the temporal region.
It lies superficial to the deep temporal fascia and temporalis muscle.
Scalp Layers
The scalp is traditionally described as consisting of five layers:
- Skin
- Dense connective tissue
- Epicranial aponeurosis
- Loose areolar tissue
- Pericranium
Major scalp vessels, including branches of the superficial temporal artery, travel primarily within the dense connective tissue layer.
Terminal Branches
The superficial temporal artery commonly divides into two principal terminal branches:
- Frontal branch
- Parietal branch
Frontal Branch
The frontal branch travels anteriorly and superiorly across the temporal and frontal regions.
It contributes to the arterial supply of the forehead and anterior scalp.
Parietal Branch
The parietal branch ascends posteriorly over the lateral scalp.
It supplies the parietal region and communicates with neighboring scalp arteries.
Major Branches
| Branch | General Distribution |
|---|---|
| Transverse facial artery | Lateral face and parotid region |
| Middle temporal artery | Temporal region and temporalis muscle |
| Anterior auricular branches | External ear region |
| Frontal branch | Forehead and anterior scalp |
| Parietal branch | Lateral and parietal scalp |
Transverse Facial Artery
The transverse facial artery usually arises while the superficial temporal artery is associated with the parotid gland.
It courses anteriorly across the face, generally below the zygomatic arch and above the parotid duct.
Middle Temporal Artery
The middle temporal artery arises near the zygomatic arch and penetrates the temporal fascia.
It contributes to the vascular supply of the temporalis muscle and deep temporal region.
Anterior Auricular Branches
Small anterior auricular branches supply portions of the auricle and neighboring tissues.
They participate in anastomoses with other arteries supplying the external ear.
Arterial Anastomoses
The scalp has an extensive network of arterial anastomoses.
Branches of the superficial temporal artery communicate with vessels including the supraorbital, supratrochlear, posterior auricular, and occipital arteries.
Connection with the Internal Carotid System
Through anastomoses with the supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries, the superficial temporal arterial system communicates with branches derived from the ophthalmic artery.
This provides connections between the external and internal carotid circulations in the scalp.
Relationship to the Superficial Temporal Vein
The superficial temporal vein accompanies the arterial territory and drains blood from the scalp.
It contributes to venous pathways associated with the retromandibular vein within the parotid region.
Relationship to the Auriculotemporal Nerve
The auriculotemporal nerve, a branch associated with the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, ascends through the temporal region near the superficial temporal vessels.
This neurovascular relationship is important in the anatomy of the lateral scalp.
Blood Supply Territory
The superficial temporal artery and its branches supply structures including:
- Lateral scalp
- Temporal region
- Parts of the forehead
- External ear region
- Parotid region
- Portions of the lateral face
Surface Projection
The artery can be approximated on the surface as ascending from the region immediately anterior to the ear across the zygomatic arch and then superiorly into the temporal scalp.
Its frontal and parietal branches diverge within the scalp and may be visible in some individuals.
Visibility
The superficial temporal artery may be visible as a pulsating vessel in individuals with thin subcutaneous tissues.
Its visibility can vary with age, vascular anatomy, blood pressure, skin thickness, and other individual factors.
Clinical Significance
Pulse Assessment
The superficial temporal artery provides an accessible pulse point on the lateral head.
Its relationship to the zygomatic arch and tragus makes it straightforward to locate in many individuals.
Scalp Lacerations
Injury to branches of the superficial temporal artery can cause substantial bleeding because the scalp is richly vascularized.
Scalp vessels are held within dense connective tissue, which can limit their ability to retract after being divided.
Temporal Region Trauma
The superficial temporal artery may be injured by trauma to the lateral head.
Knowledge of its course is important when evaluating wounds or swelling in the temporal region.
Pseudoaneurysm
A superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm can occasionally develop after blunt or penetrating trauma.
It may present as a pulsatile swelling along the course of the artery.
Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant cell arteritis, also called temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory disease affecting medium and large arteries and can involve branches of the superficial temporal artery.
The superficial location of the artery makes it accessible for clinical examination and, when indicated, diagnostic biopsy.
Temporal Artery Biopsy
A segment of the superficial temporal artery may be sampled during a temporal artery biopsy when evaluating suspected giant cell arteritis.
Knowledge of the vessel's course and branching pattern is important for locating an appropriate segment.
Vascular Imaging
Doppler ultrasound can demonstrate the superficial temporal artery and assess blood flow within it.
Other vascular imaging methods may be used when detailed evaluation of the artery or its branches is required.
Reconstructive Surgery
The superficial temporal vessels can serve as recipient or donor vessels in selected reconstructive and microsurgical procedures involving the head and face.
Their predictable superficial location makes them useful in surgical planning.
Neurosurgical Revascularization
The superficial temporal artery can be used in selected cerebral revascularization procedures, including anastomosis with intracranial arterial branches.
Its accessibility and external carotid origin make it useful as a donor vessel in appropriate procedures.
Superficial Temporal Artery Compared with Facial Artery
| Feature | Superficial Temporal Artery | Facial Artery |
|---|---|---|
| Parent vessel | Terminal branch of external carotid artery | Branch of external carotid artery |
| Main surface pulse point | Anterior to tragus over zygomatic arch | Inferior mandible anterior to masseter |
| Main territory | Temporal and lateral scalp | Superficial face |
| Course | Primarily superior | Tortuous course across face |
| Major terminal branches | Frontal and parietal | Angular terminal pathway |
Key Surface Anatomy Features
| Feature | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Parent artery | External carotid artery |
| Origin region | Within parotid gland behind neck of mandible |
| Main surface landmark | Anterior to tragus |
| Bony landmark | Zygomatic arch |
| Pulse | Palpable as artery crosses zygomatic arch |
| Main territory | Lateral and temporal scalp |
| Terminal branches | Frontal and parietal branches |
| Important accompanying nerve | Auriculotemporal nerve |
| Important clinical association | Giant cell arteritis |
| Procedural relevance | Temporal artery biopsy and reconstructive vascular procedures |
Anatomical Importance
The superficial temporal artery is one of the most accessible arterial landmarks of the head and neck. Its passage over the zygomatic arch immediately anterior to the tragus provides a reliable surface location where its pulse can often be palpated.
After entering the scalp, the artery divides into frontal and parietal branches and participates in extensive arterial anastomoses with neighboring scalp vessels. These connections contribute to the rich blood supply of the scalp and provide communication between branches of the external and internal carotid arterial systems.
Its superficial course also gives the artery considerable clinical importance. It can be involved in scalp trauma, pseudoaneurysm, and giant cell arteritis, and it can be accessed for biopsy, vascular imaging, reconstructive surgery, and selected revascularization procedures.
Last updated on September 29, 2026