Superficial temporal artery is the smaller of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery.
At first, Superficial temporal artery passes under cover of the parotid salivary gland, behind the temporomandibular articulation emerges from the deep face of the parotid salivary gland at its anterior part in company with the satellite vein and auriculo-palpebral nerve, runs upwards and backward and reaches the base of the horn core and divides into two branches anterior and posterior to supply the corium of the horn, frontalis and parietoauricularis externus muscles.
- Along its course it gives off-
- The anterior auricular artery to the muscles of the external ear, temporalis and skin
- Transverse facial artery which passes over the masseter in company with the vein and nerve and supplies this muscle
- Palpebral branches to eyelids
- Lacrimal branches to the lacrimal gland
- Muscular branches to temporalis and frontalis
- Cutaneous branches to the skin.
