Deep temporal arteries

The deep temporal arteries are two arteries of the head. They ascend between the temporalis muscle and the pericranium. They anastomose with the middle temporal artery, among other vessels. They supply the temporalis muscle.

Deep temporal arteries
Plan of branches of internal maxillary artery. (Post. deep temporal and ant. deep temporal labeled at center top.)
Details
Source	Maxillary artery (2nd part)
Identifiers
Latin	arteria temporalis profunda anterior, arteria temporalis profunda posterior
TA98	A12.2.05.071 A12.2.05.072
FMA	49742
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Structure

The deep temporal arteries in relation to other arteries of the outer skull, visible at centre.

The deep temporal arteries consist of an anterior and a posterior artery. They are branches of the maxillary artery, a terminal branch of the external carotid artery.^[1] They ascend between the temporalis muscle and the pericranium.

Connections

The deep temporal arteries anastomose with the middle temporal artery.

The anterior artery communicates with the lacrimal artery^[1] by means of small branches which perforate the zygomatic bone and greater wing of the sphenoid bone. It may also communicate with the ophthalmic artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery.^[1]

Function

The deep temporal arteries supply the temporalis muscle.

Clinical significance

The deep temporal arteries may be affected by giant cell arteritis.^[2] This may be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging.^[2]

Other animals

The deep temporal arteries are found in other animals, including dogs.^[3]

See also

• Deep temporal nerves