Temporal Muscle Under the Skin, Posterior View

Description

Posterior to the auricle and lateral to the occipital squama, the temporalis muscle is seen beneath intact scalp and superficial fascia, its broad fan-shaped belly occupying the temporal fossa up to the temporal lines. Inferiorly, the fibers converge deep to the zygomatic arch toward the coronoid process of the mandible, while the dense temporal fascia forms a taut roof over the muscle and blends superiorly with the pericranium. Midline landmarks include the external occipital protuberance and nuchal lines, with the cervical spinous processes descending inferiorly to C7; the superior angles of the scapulae appear at the lower field. For mastication anatomy, a posterior perspective clarifies how temporalis thickness and fascial tension relate to mandibular elevation and retrusion, and why pain can be referred to the temporal scalp in bruxism and temporomandibular disorders. Surgeons and dentists also use this relationship when planning a temporalis muscle flap for maxillofacial reconstruction or when placing temporal incisions, where the frontal branch of the facial nerve and the superficial temporal vessels are protected by respecting fascial planes. A practical landmark. Use this artwork in head and neck anatomy teaching to pair temporalis with the cervical extensor layer and posterior cranial landmarks, or in oral and maxillofacial surgery content discussing coronoid access, temporalis harvest, and postoperative trismus. It also suits clinical education materials on temporomandibular dysfunction, tension-type headache patterns, and fascial plane orientation for safe temporal approaches. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.