Frontal Branch Of The Superficial Temporal Artery, Anterior View

Description

Prominent in the temporal region, the superficial temporal artery ascends anterior to the auricle and divides into a frontal branch that courses superiorly across the temple toward the forehead and anterior scalp. Its frontal branch runs superficially over the frontal bone region, traveling anterosuperiorly toward the hairline while remaining lateral to the orbit and superior to the zygomatic arch. Deep to this arterial track sits the calvaria with frontal and parietal contours and visible cranial sutures. Cervically, the external carotid artery and its relationship to the neck vasculature are suggested by accompanying carotid and jugular pathways. Palpation and protection of the frontal branch matter in day to day clinical work. A temporal laceration or blunt impact at the anterolateral scalp can cause brisk hemorrhage from this superficial vessel, and its location also explains why the superficial temporal artery is a common target for bedside pulse assessment. The course has direct surgical relevance in brow lift and forehead flap planning, and it intersects the typical operative field for temporoparietal fascial flaps where iatrogenic injury can compromise scalp perfusion. Short segment pathology also appears here, as tenderness and reduced pulsation can raise concern for giant cell arteritis, often sampled at the superficial temporal artery. Plastic surgery atlases, emergency medicine teaching files, and head and neck anatomy curricula use this anterior view to teach surface anatomy landmarks and safe incision placement in the temple and forehead. It also fits well in otolaryngology and maxillofacial publications discussing scalp vascular supply, traumatic bleeding control, and reconstructive flap design. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.