Deep temporal arteries

The deep temporal arteries are two arteries of the head. They ascend between the temporalis muscle and the pericranium. They anastomose with the middle temporal artery, among other vessels. They supply the temporalis muscle.

Structure
The deep temporal arteries consist of an anterior and a posterior artery. They are branches of the maxillary artery, a terminal branch of the external carotid artery. They ascend between the temporalis muscle and the pericranium.

Connections
The deep temporal arteries anastomose with the middle temporal artery.

The anterior artery communicates with the lacrimal artery by means of small branches which perforate the zygomatic bone and greater wing of the sphenoid bone. It may also communicate with the ophthalmic artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery.

Function
The deep temporal arteries supply the temporalis muscle.

Clinical significance
The deep temporal arteries may be affected by giant cell arteritis. This may be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging.

Other animals
The deep temporal arteries are found in other animals, including dogs.