In the Superficial temporal artery (in German: superficial temporal artery) is the last upper area of the external carotid artery in humans, the so-called external carotid artery. The superficial temporal artery supplies blood to the upper half of the head and extends from the ear to the temple. The superficial temporal artery is the place where the pulse is usually measured in the area of the zygomatic bone.
What is the superficial temporal artery?
The superficial temporal artery forms the upper area of the external carotid artery (Latin: arteria carotis externa). Its German name is superficial temporal artery. It carries blood and nutrients to the upper half of the head. It thus contributes directly to the functioning and performance of the brain.
The superficial temporal artery is laterally accompanied by the superficial temporal vein (Vena temporalis superficialis) and the ear-temporal nerve (Nervus auriculotemporalis). Together they form one of the most vital complexes in the human body. Starting from the superficial temporal artery, numerous other nerve, blood and venous tracts migrate.
For practical medicine, the superficial temporal artery is an important indicator for determining the vital functions of a patient. Because the pulse is measured in the neck area using the vein. For this purpose, the pulse is sampled above the zygomatic bone. In the case of temporal arteritis (inflammation of the external carotid artery), the superficial temporal artery can be felt as a thickened cord.
Anatomy & structure
The branch of the carotid artery called the superficial temporal artery is usually smaller than the second main part of the artery (maxillary artery).
The superficial temporal artery begins in the tissue of the parotid gland (Latin: glandula parotis). The first branches start immediately behind the collum mandibulae, a section of bone in the articular process of the lower jaw. From there, the vein continues into the area of the external carotid artery. Shortly thereafter it comes to a junction with the zygomatic process, a section of bone of the zygomatic bone. This junction area is covered by small skin muscles of the body that open up in the area of the ear muscles (so-called auricularis anterior muscles).
The entire pathway of the superficial temporal artery is accompanied by the superficial temporal vein (superficial temporal artery) and the auricular temporal nerve (nervus auriculotemporalis). The following additional branches extend from the superficial temporal vein:
- The transverse facial artery (Latin: Arteria transversa faciei). It takes its course below the zygomatic arch.Its task is to supply the parotid gland, the skin of the face and the masseter muscle (Latin: Musculus masseter).
- The middle temporal artery (Latin: Arteria temporalis media). An artery whose purpose is to supply the temporal muscle (Latin: temporalis muscle).
- The so-called zygomatic orbital branch (Latin: Ramus zygomaticoorbitalis), which supplies the eyelids and the eye ring muscle (Latin: Musculus orbicularis oculi).
- The anterior branches of the ear (Latin: Rami auriculares anteriores). They are the most important suppliers of the external auditory canal and the auricle.
- The forehead branch (Latin: Ramus frontalis). This is one of the two end branches in the area of the forehead.
- The vertex load (Latin Ramus parietalis), which supplies the vertex area with arterial blood and nutrients.
Function & tasks
As a part of the maxillary artery (carotid artery), the superficial temporal artery performs indispensable functions in the area of blood supply. They supply the entire head area (including all organs that are present there) with arterial blood and nutrients.
Without the vein, a person cannot survive. Since the superficial temporal artery is already in the area of the zygomatic bone, it enables extensive conduction. It thus performs the task of a branched fine distribution system. Individual parts of the head are supplied by the individual blood vessels that branch off from the superficial temporal artery. These include u. a.
- the crown area including the entire forehead area,
- the eyelids and the eye ring muscle (orbicularis oculi muscle),
- the temporal muscle (Musculus temporalis),
- the facial skin as well
- the masseter muscle
Diseases
The superficial temporal artery may become inflamed, especially in older people. This disease is often referred to using the technical term temporal arteritis. The names Horton's disease, cranial arteritis and Horton's syndrome are also common.
This inflammation of the aorta carries a 20 percent risk of going blind. Because the disease can lead to a considerable undersupply of the optic nerves. However, temporal arteritis can be managed well with rapid and early therapy. In relation to men, women are 2 to 6 times more likely to be affected by giant cell arteritis than men. The sick suffer from severe headaches, which are mainly concentrated in the temple area. The diagnosis is made using ultrasound and tissue samples.
The treatment is carried out with various cortisone preparations. It is usual to prescribe a dose of one milligram per kilogram of body weight for the first four weeks of therapy (e.g. 75 mg for 75 kg body weight). This dose is continuously reduced in the course of the therapy. As soon as symptoms reappear, the dose is adjusted upwards.
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