The temporal fossa is a shallow depression located in the temporal bone of the skull. It is a key landmark in anatomy and serves a number of important functions in the body.
Structure
The temporal fossa is located on the side of the skull, above the zygomatic arch (also known as the cheekbone) and below the temporal line. It is a shallow depression that is bordered by several important structures, including the zygomatic arch, the temporal line, the infratemporal crest, and the parietal bone.
The temporal fossa contains several important structures, including:
- The temporalis muscle: This is a large, flat muscle that covers the temporal fossa and is responsible for moving the jaw. It originates from the temporal fossa and inserts into the coronoid process of the mandible (lower jaw bone).
- The temporal artery: This is a large blood vessel that supplies blood to the head and neck region. It branches off the external carotid artery and runs through the temporal fossa, passing between the temporalis muscle and the periosteum (a thin layer of cells that covers the bone).
- The temporal branch of the facial nerve: This nerve supplies sensory and motor innervation to the muscles of facial expression. It passes through the temporal fossa, passing between the temporalis muscle and the periosteum.
Location
The temporal fossa is located on the side of the skull, above the zygomatic arch and below the temporal line. It is found on both the left and right sides of the skull.
Function
The temporal fossa serves several important functions in the body, including:
- Facilitating movement of the jaw: The temporalis muscle, which is located within the temporal fossa, is responsible for moving the jaw. It is responsible for closing the jaw and is also involved in biting and chewing.
- Supplying blood to the head and neck region: The temporal artery, which runs through the temporal fossa, supplies blood to the head and neck region. This is important for maintaining the health and function of the tissues and organs in this region.
- Facilitating facial expression: The temporal branch of the facial nerve, which passes through the temporal fossa, supplies sensory and motor innervation to the muscles of facial expression. This is important for allowing us to communicate and express emotion through our facial expressions.
Clinical Significance
The temporal fossa and its structures can be affected by a number of conditions and injuries. Some of the clinical significance of the temporal fossa include:
- Temporal arteritis: This is a condition that involves inflammation of the temporal artery. It can cause headaches, jaw pain, and visual disturbances, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the mandible to the skull. Dysfunction of this joint can cause pain and difficulty moving the jaw. The temporalis muscle, which is located within the temporal fossa, is important for the function of the TMJ.
- Facial nerve disorders: The temporal branch of the facial nerve, which passes through the temporal fossa, can be affected by a number of conditions that can cause facial paralysis or other disorders of facial expression. These conditions can be caused by trauma, infection, or other underlying medical conditions.
- Temporal bone fractures: The temporal bone, which contains the temporal fossa, is a thin and fragile bone. It can be easily fractured in accidents or during surgery. Fractures of the temporal bone can lead to damage to the structures within the temporal fossa, such as the temporal artery, temporalis muscle, and temporal branch of the facial nerve.
- Temporal lobe epilepsy: The temporal lobe, which is located in the brain, is responsible for processing auditory information and is also involved in memory and emotion. Temporal lobe epilepsy is a type of epilepsy characterized by seizures that originate in the temporal lobe. These seizures can cause a variety of symptoms, including abnormal sensations, changes in behavior and emotion, and impaired memory.
