Zygomaticotemporal foramen

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

The zygomaticotemporal foramen, also known as the zygomaticotemporal suture, is a small hole located in the temporal bone of the skull. It is a small, but important, structure that serves several important functions in the human body.

Structure

The zygomaticotemporal foramen is a small opening located in the temporal bone of the skull. It is formed by the fusion of the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone, and the temporal bone, which forms the side and base of the skull. The foramen is located on the lateral aspect of the skull, just above the zygomatic arch, which is a bony arch that spans across the cheek and the temporal bone.

The foramen is relatively small in size, with a diameter of about 3-4mm. It is circular in shape and is located on the outer surface of the temporal bone, just above the zygomatic arch. The foramen is surrounded by a thin bony rim and is covered by a thin layer of soft tissue.

Location

The zygomaticotemporal foramen is located on the lateral aspect of the skull, just above the zygomatic arch. It is located on the outer surface of the temporal bone, just above the zygomatic arch. The foramen is located in close proximity to several other important structures in the skull, including the temporalis muscle, the temporal artery, and the temporal nerve.

Function

The zygomaticotemporal foramen serves several important functions in the human body. It is an important passage for several important structures in the head and neck, including the temporal artery and the temporal nerve.

The temporal artery is a branch of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to the head and neck. It runs through the zygomaticotemporal foramen and supplies blood to the temporalis muscle, which is a large muscle located in the temporal region of the skull. The temporal artery also supplies blood to the scalp, the face, and the neck.

The temporal nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve, which is the largest cranial nerve in the human body. The temporal nerve runs through the zygomaticotemporal foramen and supplies sensory innervation to the temporal region of the skull, including the scalp and the forehead.

In this Article: