Temporal branches

Temporal branches refer to the branches of the facial nerve that supply the muscles of the forehead. They are also known as the temporal facial nerve branches.

Anatomy

The facial nerve, or cranial nerve VII, is a mixed nerve that has both motor and sensory components. It arises from the brainstem and exits the skull through the stylomastoid foramen. After exiting the skull, it gives off several branches, including the temporal branches.

The temporal branches of the facial nerve arise just after the nerve exits the stylomastoid foramen. They ascend into the temporal region, passing over the zygomatic arch and into the forehead. Here, they supply the frontalis muscle, which is responsible for raising the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead.

Clinical significance

Damage to the temporal branches of the facial nerve can result in a variety of clinical symptoms. These can include an inability to raise the eyebrows, wrinkle the forehead, or close the eyes. This can be seen in conditions such as Bell's palsy, where there is inflammation of the facial nerve, or in cases of surgical damage to the nerve.

See also

• Facial nerve
• Frontalis muscle
• Bell's palsy