Understanding the Anatomy: Which Artery Supplies Blood to the Sides of the Head?

September 26, 2025 •

4 min read

The human head is supplied by a complex network of blood vessels, originating from the common carotid arteries. A central part of this network answers the question: Which artery supplies blood to the sides of the head, and how does it function?

Quick Summary

The superficial temporal artery, a significant branch of the external carotid artery, is the primary vessel responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the sides and crown of the head.

Key Points

Primary Artery: The superficial temporal artery is the primary vessel that supplies blood to the sides of the head.
Parent Vessel: This artery originates as a branch of the external carotid artery.
Two Key Branches: The superficial temporal artery splits into two main branches, the frontal branch and the parietal branch, to supply different parts of the temporal and parietal regions.
Additional Support: Other arteries, such as the posterior auricular and occipital arteries, also contribute to the blood flow in the lateral head through interconnected networks.
Clinical Relevance: The superficial location of the temporal artery makes it easily palpable, which is clinically significant for diagnostics.
Protective Network: The head's arterial system features numerous anastomoses, or connections, which provide critical alternative blood supply routes.

The Superficial Temporal Artery: The Main Contributor

To understand which artery supplies blood to the sides of the head, we must first focus on the superficial temporal artery (STA). This artery is a key component of the circulatory system of the head and neck. It is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery, starting below and in front of the ear. From there, it ascends along the side of the head, traveling with the auriculotemporal nerve. Its superficial position makes it palpable and clinically significant in conditions like temporal arteritis.

Branches of the Superficial Temporal Artery

The superficial temporal artery divides into two major branches approximately 3 to 5 cm above the zygomatic arch:

Frontal Branch: This branch runs toward the forehead, supplying the muscles and skin of that region. It provides blood flow to the orbicularis oculi and frontalis muscles.
Parietal Branch: This branch arches backward and upward over the temporal fossa, supplying the skin and muscles of the parietal and temporal regions, including the scalp.

Other Branches

In addition to its two main terminal branches, the STA gives off several other important arteries along its path, which also contribute to the blood supply of the head's lateral aspects:

Transverse Facial Artery: Supplies the parotid gland and facial muscles.
Middle Temporal Artery: Penetrates the deep temporal fascia to supply the temporalis muscle.
Zygomatico-orbital Artery: Supplies the orbicularis oculi muscle and the lateral orbital region.

The External Carotid Artery: The Parent Vessel

While the superficial temporal artery is the direct source for the sides of the head, it's crucial to understand its origin. The superficial temporal artery is a branch of the external carotid artery, one of the two main arteries that emerge from the common carotid artery. The external carotid artery supplies most structures outside the cranium, and its many branches form a complex network to ensure proper circulation throughout the head and face.

Other Arteries Contributing to the Sides of the Head

While the STA is the most direct and primary source for the temporal and parietal regions, other arteries also play a role, often supplying adjacent areas that contribute to the overall circulation of the head's lateral aspects. These include:

Posterior Auricular Artery: Arises from the external carotid artery and provides blood to the scalp behind the ear, the auricle, and the adjacent parotid gland.
Occipital Artery: Another branch of the external carotid, this artery supplies the back of the scalp and the muscles in the occipital region. Its anastomoses (connections) with the superficial temporal artery ensure a robust network of blood flow.

The Importance of the Arterial Network

The intricate arterial network of the head, stemming from the external and internal carotid arteries, is vital for several reasons. It provides the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the skin, muscles, and nerves. Furthermore, this interconnected system includes anastomoses, or points of connection between different arteries. These connections provide a critical safety mechanism. If one artery is compromised, blood can still reach a specific area through a different route, preventing severe complications. Understanding this network is fundamental in clinical settings, such as diagnosing conditions like temporal arteritis or planning surgical procedures involving the head and neck.

A Comprehensive Comparison of Key Head Arteries


Artery	Origin	Primary Supply Area	Significance
Superficial Temporal Artery	External Carotid Artery	Sides of the head, temporal region, and scalp	Primary source for the lateral head; clinically palpable.
Posterior Auricular Artery	External Carotid Artery	Area behind the ear and adjacent scalp	Supplies posterior aspects of the lateral head.
Occipital Artery	External Carotid Artery	Back of the scalp and neck	Contributes to the overall lateral head network via anastomoses.
External Carotid Artery	Common Carotid Artery	Most of the face, head, and neck (extracranial)	Main parent vessel giving rise to many branches, including the STA.

Conclusion: A Network of Life

The question of which artery supplies blood to the sides of the head reveals a fascinating and complex anatomical truth. While the superficial temporal artery is the most direct and notable supplier to this region, it operates within a larger, interconnected network of vessels stemming from the external carotid artery. The collective effort of these arteries ensures a consistent and reliable supply of blood to the scalp and facial areas. For more detailed information on head and neck anatomy, resources from health organizations are invaluable for deeper study.

For additional information on the complex anatomy of the head and neck's blood supply, refer to reliable medical resources like those provided by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) via their PubMed database or NCBI Bookshelf [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545238/].

Frequently Asked Questions

The external carotid artery serves as the primary parent vessel. It gives rise to numerous branches, including the superficial temporal artery, which is directly responsible for supplying blood to the lateral aspects of the head, face, and neck.

Yes, the superficial temporal artery is palpable on the side of the head, particularly near the temple. Due to its close proximity to the skin's surface, it is often used for clinical examinations and can be a key indicator for conditions like temporal arteritis.

The common carotid artery, located in the neck, is the main origin point. It bifurcates (splits) into the internal and external carotid arteries, with the external branch feeding the superficial temporal artery and other vessels of the head and neck.

The frontal and parietal branches are the two terminal branches of the superficial temporal artery. The frontal branch supplies the forehead, while the parietal branch supplies the scalp and temporal regions, ensuring blood flow to the sides of the head.

Yes, other arteries like the posterior auricular and occipital arteries also contribute to the blood supply of the lateral head and scalp. They form a complex network with the superficial temporal artery through a process called anastomosis.

Issues with the temporal artery can cause a variety of health problems. For example, inflammation of this artery, known as temporal arteritis, can lead to severe headaches, jaw pain, and vision problems, highlighting its clinical importance.

Having a network of interconnected arteries, or anastomoses, provides a crucial safety mechanism. If one artery is blocked or damaged, other pathways can provide blood flow, reducing the risk of tissue damage or stroke.