Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Temporal Branches of Facial Nerve
Nervous System

Temporal Branches of Facial Nerve

Rami temporales nervi facialis

Read more

Quick Facts

Origin: Superior division of the facial nerve.

Course: Runs anteriorly and superiorly, above the zygomatic arch and into the temporal region.

Branches: Anterior and posterior rami.

Supply: Motor innervation to muscles of facial expression located in the upper portion of the face.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

Origin

The temporal branches of the facial nerve originate when the superior division of the facial nerve splits. This occurs in the substance of the parotid gland.

Course

From its origin, the temporal branches of the facial nerve run anteriorly and superiorly out of the parotid gland. They continue upward, crossing the zygomatic bone and travels into the temporal region.

Branches

The temporal branches of the facial nerve have two portions, an anterior ramus and a posterior ramus.

Supplied Structures

The temporal branches of the facial nerve are motor nerves that innervate the muscles of facial expression around the orbit and ear. It contains branchial motor efferents.

The muscles innervated by the posterior ramus of the temporal branches are the anterior and superior auricular muscles.

The muscles innervated by the anterior ramus of the temporal branches are the frontalis, the corrugator supercilii, procerus, and orbicularis oculi muscles.

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy