Is There a Difference Between the Temple and the Forehead? Unpacking the Anatomy

September 30, 2025 •

5 min read

The temple is a sensitive area of the skull where four major bones meet, distinguishing it from the broad, single-bone structure of the forehead. So, is there a difference between the temple and the forehead? Yes, they have distinct anatomy, muscle groups, and health implications that are important to understand.

Quick Summary

The temple is a vulnerable, side-head region involving multiple bones and muscles for chewing, while the forehead is the central, frontal region with one main bone and muscles for expression.

Key Points

Anatomical Location: The forehead is the front part of the head, above the eyebrows, while the temples are the sensitive areas on the side of the head.
Bony Structure: The forehead is defined by the frontal bone, whereas the temple is where four different skull bones intersect, including the frontal, temporal, and sphenoid bones.
Muscular Function: The forehead features the frontalis muscle for facial expressions, such as raising eyebrows, while the temples house the temporalis muscle, which aids in chewing.
Headache Clues: The location of a headache can indicate its type; for example, sinus headaches are typically centered in the forehead, while temporal arteritis causes pain specifically in the temples.
Vulnerability: The temples are particularly vulnerable due to the thinness of the pterion and the underlying middle meningeal artery, which can be easily damaged.
General Health: Issues like TMJ disorders or serious inflammation (temporal arteritis) can cause pain specifically in the temple area, highlighting their importance in a broader health context.

The Anatomical Distinction: Location and Structure

While the forehead and temples are adjacent areas on the face and head, their anatomical makeup is significantly different. This distinction explains why certain types of pain or aesthetic issues may affect one area but not the other. At the most fundamental level, the difference lies in the underlying skeletal structure.

The Forehead: The Frontal Region

The forehead is the large, rounded area of the face extending from the hairline down to the eyebrows. Its bony foundation is primarily a single, prominent bone called the frontal bone. This bone also forms the roof of the orbits, the bony sockets that house the eyeballs. The forehead's surface is relatively uniform, providing a smooth, broad canvas for facial expressions.

Key anatomical features of the forehead include:

Frontal Bone: The single, large bone that forms the forehead.
Supraorbital Ridge: The thickened, rounded ridges of the frontal bone located above the eye sockets.
Glabella: The smooth area of the frontal bone located between the eyebrows.
Frontalis Muscle: A sheet-like muscle responsible for raising the eyebrows and creating horizontal forehead wrinkles.

The Temple: The Vulnerable Side

The temple is located on the side of the head, behind the eye and between the forehead and the ear. Instead of being based on a single bone, the temple, also known as the pterion, is where four skull bones converge: the frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal bones. This convergence point is particularly thin and vulnerable, housing the middle meningeal artery, making it a critical anatomical location.

Key anatomical features of the temple include:

Pterion: The junction of the four skull bones.
Temporal Bone: The bone situated at the side and base of the skull, which is partially covered by the temple.
Temporalis Muscle: A large, fan-shaped muscle that originates in this area and assists in chewing.
Middle Meningeal Artery: A critical artery that runs beneath the pterion.

Differences in Musculature and Function

Beyond the bones, the distinct muscle groups and their functions further define the difference between the temple and the forehead. The muscles in each area are responsible for different actions, from facial expression to essential functions like chewing.

Muscles of the Forehead

Frontalis Muscle: As mentioned, this muscle is the primary driver of facial expressions involving the eyebrows. Its upward contraction allows you to show surprise, fear, or concern by raising your brows and wrinkling your forehead.
Procerus and Corrugator Supercilii Muscles: These smaller muscles sit lower on the forehead near the brow line. They are responsible for actions like furrowing your brow and creating vertical frown lines between the eyebrows.

Muscles of the Temple

Temporalis Muscle: This powerful muscle is a key part of the chewing (mastication) process. It originates on the temporal bone and inserts into the mandible (jawbone), allowing you to clench your jaw and grind food. Tension or strain in this muscle is a common cause of headaches and jaw pain.

Understanding Headaches: Temple vs. Forehead Pain

The anatomical differences also influence the type and location of headaches people experience. Pinpointing the location of the pain can be a helpful clue for a healthcare provider when diagnosing the cause.

Forehead Headaches

Tension-Type Headaches: These are the most common type and often manifest as a feeling of a tight band of pressure around the head, frequently starting in the forehead. Stress, anxiety, and muscle tension are common triggers.
Sinus Headaches: Caused by inflammation in the sinus cavities, these headaches can create pressure and a dull ache in the forehead, cheekbones, and face.
Migraines: Some migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain concentrated in the forehead area.

Temple Headaches

Temporal Arteritis: Also known as giant cell arteritis, this is a serious condition involving inflammation of the arteries in the temples. Symptoms include a persistent, severe throbbing headache in one or both temples, scalp tenderness, and jaw pain while chewing. This requires immediate medical attention.
Cluster Headaches: These intense, short-lived headaches typically occur in clusters and are often centered around one eye and the temple.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint can cause referred pain that radiates into the temples.

A Comparative Look: Forehead vs. Temple


Feature	Forehead	Temple
Location	Front of the head, above the eyebrows.	Side of the head, behind the eye and between the forehead and ear.
Primary Bone(s)	Single Frontal Bone.	Intersection of four bones: Frontal, Parietal, Sphenoid, and Temporal.
Primary Muscle(s)	Frontalis muscle for expression.	Temporalis muscle for chewing.
Key Artery	Supplied by branches of the superficial temporal artery and others.	Critical middle meningeal artery runs beneath the pterion junction.
Common Headaches	Tension headaches, sinus headaches, some migraines.	Tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, TMJ disorders, Temporal Arteritis.

General Health Implications and Concerns

Understanding the anatomical differences is crucial for diagnosing health problems. A headache, for example, is not always the same, and its location provides important clues. For instance, while a tension headache can affect both areas, a persistent, throbbing pain in the temples, especially in older adults, could be a symptom of temporal arteritis, a condition that can lead to blindness if not treated promptly. For more information on this condition, consult the Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20372758.

Additionally, aesthetic concerns also differ. The forehead can be prone to wrinkles from repetitive muscle contractions, while the temples can lose volume over time due to fat and bone loss, impacting overall facial contours. Medical professionals use their understanding of these distinct anatomies to provide targeted treatments, whether for a persistent headache or cosmetic procedures.

Conclusion

In summary, the forehead and the temple are distinct anatomical regions with different underlying structures, musculature, and associated health considerations. The forehead is a broad, expressive area supported by the single frontal bone, while the temple is a more complex, sensitive junction of multiple bones housing a critical artery and a powerful chewing muscle. Recognizing these fundamental differences is key to accurately understanding and addressing health concerns related to these areas, from everyday headaches to more serious conditions like temporal arteritis. For any persistent or severe pain, always seek a professional medical diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

The forehead is formed primarily by the single frontal bone. In contrast, the temple is the intersection point of four different skull bones: the frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal bones.

The temple is vulnerable because the underlying pterion (the junction of the four bones) is relatively thin. This area houses the middle meningeal artery, and a sharp blow to the temple can be particularly dangerous due to this artery's location.

Yes, their causes can differ. Forehead headaches are often linked to sinus pressure or general tension, whereas temple headaches can be caused by conditions like TMJ disorders or temporal arteritis. Some conditions like migraines can cause pain in either area.

Yes. Tension headaches are a common example, often described as a tight band of pressure wrapping around the entire head, including the forehead and temples. Migraines can also manifest with pain in both regions.

Pain in the temples while chewing can be a symptom of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, as the temporalis muscle, which assists in chewing, is located in the temple region. In older adults, it can also be a sign of temporal arteritis.

You should consult a healthcare provider. While it could be a common tension headache, persistent temple pain, especially if accompanied by scalp tenderness, vision problems, or jaw pain, could be a symptom of temporal arteritis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Over time, the forehead is prone to dynamic wrinkles caused by the repetitive contraction of muscles like the frontalis. The temples, conversely, can lose volume due to natural fat loss and bone reabsorption, leading to a hollowed appearance that can affect overall facial contour.

Yes. The temporalis muscle is a large, fan-shaped muscle located within the temple area that attaches to the jawbone (mandible). It plays a crucial role in closing the jaw and grinding food.