The branching pattern of the middle temporal artery and the relation with the temporal fascia

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The branching pattern of the middle temporal artery and the relation with the temporal fascia Via radiol anat Surg Radiol Anat. 2021 Jun 28. doi: 10.1007/s00276-021-02790-x. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT PURPOSE: Although the middle temporal artery is used for maxillofacial and otological flap surgeries, the anatomical knowledge of the artery is insufficient to corroborate its usage. This study has investigated the interrelationship between the artery and the temporal fascia to enhance its availability. METHODS: The middle temporal artery was dissected in ten cadavers, and i ts spatial relations with the temporal fascia and muscle and the adjacent structures were examined. RESULTS: The middle temporal artery arose behind the mandibular head or neck and in front of the external acoustic meatus. It penetrated the temporal fascia external to the junction between the zygomatic process and the supramastoid crest. The artery gave off a thin branch in the space between the superficial and the deep layers of the fascia and is divided into two branches piercing the deep layer to supply the temporalis. The anterior branch anastomosed with the deep temporal artery; furthermore, it gave off the slender ramus coursing on the base of the zygomatic process to communicate with the masseteric artery. The posterior branch passed along the supramastoid crest, gave off a slender ramus and ascended in the groove of the temporal bone. CONCLUSION: The branching pattern of the middle temporal artery and its positions relative to the temporal fascia and the landmark structures are helpful in identifying the artery, designing favourable flaps and avoiding unfavourable bleeding during surgery. They are also beneficial in developing the clinical usage of the artery. PMID:34181041 | DOI:10.1007/s00276-021-02790-x View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.