Superficial Temporal Artery: Anatomy, Essential Functions, and Care
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
The superficial temporal artery supplies blood to the face and scalp. It is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery that starts in the parotid gland, below and in front of the ear, and runs between the cheekbone and the ear [1]. Surgeons also use it as a bypass route when there is a problem in the brain, and it can be affected by aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) or injury [1].
Quick Answer: What is the superficial temporal artery?
The superficial temporal artery is a blood vessel that supplies the scalp and face. A terminal branch of the external carotid artery, it runs vertically between the cheekbone and ear, with one on each side of the head. Providers often use it as a bypass route to restore blood flow to the brain and for certain minimally invasive procedures.
What the research says
The artery is widely used in brain bypass surgery. A systematic review of its role in neurovascular disease concluded that superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass is very useful for intracranial ischemic diseases such as moyamoya disease and chronic internal carotid or middle cerebral artery insufficiency, that it can serve as flow replacement for complex aneurysms, and that the artery can also be a path for intraoperative angiography and endovascular treatment (Hou et al., International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2019 [2]).
A temporal artery biopsy is useful but can miss giant cell arteritis. A meta-analysis of 32 studies (3,092 patients) found that 77.3% of giant cell arteritis cases had a positive temporal artery biopsy (95% CI 71.8% to 81.9%), with large differences between studies (Rubenstein et al., Rheumatology, 2020 [3]).
Biopsy results are very specific. A systematic review for the American College of Rheumatology and Vasculitis Foundation guidelines estimated that temporal artery biopsy has a sensitivity of 61% (95% CI 38% to 79%) and a specificity of 98% (95% CI 95% to 99%) in people with suspected giant cell arteritis, so a normal biopsy does not completely rule it out (Dua et al., ACR Open Rheumatology, 2021 [4]).
What is the anatomy and function of the superficial temporal artery?
The superficial temporal artery supplies blood to your face and scalp. It starts in your parotid gland, below and in front of your ear, and runs up and down between your cheekbone and your ear [1]. Like other arteries, it is a tube with three layers: an inner layer (intima) of muscle, elastin and endothelial cells, a middle layer (media) of muscle that makes the artery's diameter larger or smaller, and an outer layer (adventitia) that links to the tissues the artery feeds [1].
Branch | Where the blood goes |
Frontal branch | The muscles and skin of the forehead |
Parietal branch | The parietal and temporal regions of the head, above the ears (roughly where you would wear a headset) |
Other branches | The transverse facial, middle temporal, zygomatico-orbital and auricular arteries |
How the artery branches varies from person to person. Some people have two, or rarely three, frontal or parietal branches from one artery, the point where it splits can sit higher or lower than the cheekbone, and the two sides of the head can look different [1].
How is the superficial temporal artery used in medical treatment?
Providers often use the superficial temporal artery as a bypass route to restore blood flow to the brain in conditions such as aneurysms, moyamoya disease and stroke [1] [2].
Aneurysms.
Middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery insufficiency (reduced blood flow).
Moyamoya disease.
Stroke.
What conditions and symptoms affect the superficial temporal artery?
The superficial temporal artery can be affected by aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis), facial plastic surgery complications and head or face injuries [1]. Symptoms of damage to the artery may include:
Headache.
Dizziness.
A painful lump under the skin near the artery.
Fatigue.
Temple or scalp tenderness.
Problems with your vision.
Bleeding.
What tests and treatments are used for superficial temporal artery problems?
Providers can check the artery with imaging, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, angiogram or magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) [1]. You may also need blood tests [1], and a temporal artery biopsy is used when giant cell arteritis is suspected [3] [4].
Condition | Treatment may include |
Aneurysm | Surgery |
Pseudoaneurysm | Thrombin injection |
Temporal arteritis | Medication |
Injury that damages the artery | Surgical repair |
How can you care for your superficial temporal artery?
Caring for your superficial temporal artery means following heart-healthy habits, such as eating whole grains and produce, exercising, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol and salt [1].
Eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid tobacco products.
Limit alcohol.
Limit salt.
Regular appointments with your healthcare provider can help make sure you are not developing any problems. If you are over 50 and have a new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing or any vision change, get medical care the same day, because untreated giant cell arteritis can cause blindness.
Conclusion
The superficial temporal artery is an easily overlooked vessel that feeds your face and scalp and gives surgeons a valuable route to the brain. Heart-healthy habits and regular checkups help keep it working well.
Next step: If you have a persistent headache, temple or scalp tenderness, a painful lump near the temple or vision problems, see a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the superficial temporal artery?
The superficial temporal artery supplies blood to your face and scalp.
Where is the superficial temporal artery located?
The superficial temporal artery starts in the parotid gland, below and in front of your ear, and runs up between your cheekbone and your ear. You have one on each side of your head.
What is temporal arteritis?
Temporal arteritis, also called giant cell arteritis, is one of the conditions that can affect the superficial temporal artery. Symptoms can include headache, temple or scalp tenderness and vision problems, and it is treated with medication.
How is the superficial temporal artery used in brain surgery?
Providers often use it as a bypass route (an alternate blood source) to supply blood flow when there is a problem in the brain, such as an aneurysm, reduced flow in the middle cerebral or internal carotid artery, moyamoya disease or stroke. It can also be a route for certain endovascular treatments or angiograms.
What are the main branches of this artery?
The superficial temporal artery splits into two main branches. The frontal branch sends blood to the muscles and skin of the forehead, and the parietal branch supplies the parietal and temporal regions above the ears. Other branches include the transverse facial, middle temporal, zygomatico-orbital and auricular arteries.
Can an injury to the head damage this artery?
Yes. An injury to your face or head in an accident can damage the artery, and surgical repair may be needed.
What are the symptoms of a problem with this artery?
Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, a painful lump under the skin near the artery, fatigue, temple or scalp tenderness, vision problems and bleeding.
How do doctors check this artery?
Providers can use imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, angiogram or magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), and you may also need blood tests. A temporal artery biopsy is used when giant cell arteritis is suspected.
Is this artery part of the carotid system?
Yes. It is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery, which is in your neck.
What lifestyle habits protect this artery?
Habits that benefit your heart and blood vessels help: eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol and salt.
Related Reading
Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment — Complete Guide explains artery inflammation that often affects the temples and threatens vision.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment covers a muscle pain condition closely linked to giant cell arteritis.
Understanding the Facial Artery: Anatomy, Function, and Health describes another branch of the external carotid artery that supplies the face.
Carotid Artery: Anatomy, Function, and Stroke Prevention explains the main neck arteries that feed the superficial temporal artery.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Superficial Temporal Artery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated June 1, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25042-superficial-temporal-artery
Hou K, Guo Y, Xu K, et al. Clinical importance of the superficial temporal artery in neurovascular diseases: a PRISMA-compliant systematic review. International Journal of Medical Sciences. 2019;16(10):1377-1385. PMID 31692910. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.36698
Rubenstein E, Maldini C, Gonzalez-Chiappe S, et al. Sensitivity of temporal artery biopsy in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology. 2020;59(5):1011-1020. PMID 31529073. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kez385
Dua AB, Husainat NM, Kalot MA, et al. Giant cell arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of test accuracy and benefits and harms of common treatments. ACR Open Rheumatology. 2021;3(7):429-441. PMID 33811481. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr2.11226
Medical disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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