The Path of the Temporal Artery
The superficial temporal artery (STA) is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery, which is a major blood vessel in the neck. It follows a distinct path along the side of the head:
- Origin and Early Course: The artery begins its course within the parotid gland, which is located in front of and below the ear.
- Ascent Over the Cheekbone: From there, it ascends across the zygomatic process, or cheekbone, and continues upward in a vertical path. A key landmark for locating it is the point just in front of the tragus, the small flap of cartilage at the opening of the ear canal.
- Terminal Bifurcation: Approximately 5 centimeters above the zygomatic arch, the superficial temporal artery divides into two main terminal branches:
- Frontal Branch: This branch curves forward and upward toward the forehead, supplying the muscles and skin in that region.
- Parietal Branch: This larger branch curves upward and backward, supplying the parietal and temporal regions of the head.
Palpating Your Temporal Pulse
Because the temporal artery lies so close to the skin's surface, its pulse can be easily felt. Follow these steps to find it:
- Find Your Landmark: Use your index and middle finger pads to locate the small, pointed cartilage flap (tragus) in front of your ear canal.
- Move Forward and Upward: Place your fingers in front of and slightly above the tragus, against your temple.
- Apply Light Pressure: Press very lightly with your fingertips. If you press too hard, you may obstruct the pulse. You should feel a slight throbbing sensation. If you don't find it immediately, try moving your fingers slightly up or down.
- Compare Sides: For a comprehensive check, you can compare the pulse on both sides of your head. Note that a healthcare provider would perform a bilateral assessment during an examination.
The Temporal Artery's Medical Importance
Beyond simply supplying blood, the temporal artery is a significant vessel in medical diagnostics, particularly related to inflammation. One condition, temporal arteritis (also known as giant cell arteritis or GCA), specifically targets this and other medium-to-large arteries.
When inflamed, the artery can become swollen, tender, or feel like a thickened, cord-like vessel under the skin. This condition can cause severe headaches and potentially lead to serious complications like vision loss if left untreated. A temporal artery biopsy, where a small piece of the artery is removed and examined, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing GCA.
In some neurosurgical procedures, the temporal artery is also used as a bypass route to restore blood flow to the brain in patients with conditions like aneurysms or reduced blood flow to the head.
Temporal Artery vs. Temporal Vein: A Quick Comparison
It's easy to mistake the temporal artery and its accompanying vein. This table highlights their key differences:
| Feature | Superficial Temporal Artery | Superficial Temporal Vein |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Skin-colored and often appears tortuous or bulging when visible. | Blue or green, not visibly bulging or tortuous under normal conditions. |
| Pulsation | You can feel a pulse with light finger pressure. | You cannot feel a pulse in the vein. |
| Function | Carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the face and scalp. | Carries deoxygenated blood back towards the heart. |
| Common Error | Often mistaken for a vein due to its superficial location. | Often mistaken for an artery when the skin is thin. |
Conclusion
The temporal artery's distinct location on the side of the head, running vertically in front of the ear, makes it one of the most accessible arteries to feel your own pulse. While a normal pulse is reassuring, understanding its location also helps in recognizing symptoms of medical conditions like temporal arteritis. For further reading, consult authoritative resources such as Cleveland Clinic: Superficial Temporal Artery. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment of any health concerns.
