Temple (anatomy)

Temple (anatomy)

The temple is a region on both sides of the head that is located between the top of the cheekbone and the start of the brow bone, next to the eye. It is one of the key areas of the skull and is marked by the temporal bone of the cranium.

Side view of the skull showing the location of the temple.

Anatomy

The temple is a juncture where four skull bones fuse together: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid. It houses the temporal fossa, the zygomatic arch, and the temporal bone's squamous part.

Temporal Fossa

The Temporal fossa is a shallow depression on the side of the skull bounded by the temporal lines and terminating below the level of the zygomatic arch.

Zygomatic Arch

The Zygomatic arch is formed by the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone, the two being united by an oblique suture; the tendon of the Temporalis passes medial to the arch to gain insertion into the coronoid process of the mandible.

Temporal Bone

The Temporal bone contributes to the lower lateral walls of the skull. It contains the middle and inner ear. Inside the temporal bone are structures critical to hearing and balance.

Clinical Significance

The temple is a common pressure point. Pressure applied to the temple can relieve some types of headaches. However, in some cases, severe pain in the temple can be a sign of a serious condition, such as a stroke or brain tumor.

See Also

• Cranium
• Skull
• Zygomatic bone
• Temporal bone
• Temporal fossa
• Zygomatic arch