Frontal Branch of the Superficial Temporal Artery

Description

Originating within the parotid region, the superficial temporal artery ascends anterior to the auricle and divides superiorly, with the frontal branch coursing anterosuperiorly across the temporal fascia toward the forehead. The vessel runs superficial to the temporalis muscle and deep to scalp connective tissue, then fans over the frontal bone toward the superolateral orbital rim, where it anastomoses with the supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries. Along its path, accompanying superficial temporal veins track in parallel, and small cutaneous branches perforate to supply the scalp. Nearby landmarks include the zygomatic arch inferiorly and the frontalis portion of the occipitofrontalis more superiorly. Clear surface anatomy. For clinicians, the frontal branch matters because its course often overlaps the temporal branch of the facial nerve as that nerve crosses the zygomatic arch toward the frontalis and orbicularis oculi. That relationship drives incision planning in brow lift, temporal lift, and parotid or preauricular approaches, where blunt dissection in the correct plane reduces the risk of temporal branch neuropraxia and troublesome scalp bleeding. The artery’s caliber and predictability also make it a practical donor or recipient vessel in reconstructive microsurgery, and it can be injured in temporal lacerations with brisk hemorrhage. Medical educators will find this image well suited for head and neck anatomy teaching in gross anatomy and dental curricula, pairing arterial supply of the scalp with facial expression musculature and superficial nerve courses. It also supports procedural guides for temporal artery biopsy, facial rejuvenation surgery, and filler injection safety discussions that emphasize avoiding intravascular injection near the forehead and temple. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.