Deep temporal nerves
The deep temporal nerves are motor branches of the mandibular nerve (CN V3).[1] They originate in the infratemporal region and ascend deep to the temporalis muscle.[2] These nerves provide motor innervation to the temporalis muscle, which elevates the mandible during chewing.[3] The deep temporal nerves are relevant in surgical procedures and conditions affecting the infratemporal fossa and temporalis muscle.[4]
| Deep temporal nerves | |
|---|---|
 Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve | |
| Details | |
| From | Anterior division of mandibular nerve |
| Innervates | Temporalis, temporomandibular joint |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervi temporales profundi |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.071 |
| TA2 | 6254 |
| FMA | 53187 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
Structure
[edit]Origin
[edit]They usually arise from (the anterior division of) the mandibular nerve (CN V3).[5][6]
Course
[edit]They pass superior to the superior border of the lateral pterygoid muscle.[5] They ascend to the temporal fossa[citation needed] and enter the deep surface of the temporalis muscle.[6]
Distribution
[edit]The deep temporal nerves provide motor innervation to the temporalis muscle. The deep temporal nerves also have articular branches which provide a minor contribution to the innervation of the temporomandibular joint.[7]
Variation
[edit]Number
There are usually two deep temporal nerves - the anterior deep temporal nerve and posterior deep temporal nerve. Occasionally, a third one is present - the middle deep temporal nerve.[6]
Origin
The anterior one may arise from the buccal nerve, and the posterior one may arise from the masseteric nerve.[6]
References
[edit]- ↑ Standring, Susan; Tubbs, R. Shane, eds. (December 30, 2025). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (43rd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780443124785.
- ↑ Geers, C.; Nyssen-Behets, C.; Cosnard, G.; Lengelé, B. (2005-08-01). "The deep belly of the temporalis muscle: an anatomical, histological and MRI study". Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 27 (3): 184–191. doi:10.1007/s00276-004-0306-3. ISSN 1279-8517.
- ↑ Macdougall, J. D. B.; Andrew, B. L. (January 1953). "An electromyographic study of the temporalis and masseter muscles". Journal of Anatomy. 87 (1): 37–45. ISSN 0021-8782. PMC 1244565. PMID 13022581.
- ↑ Joo, Wonil; Funaki, Takeshi; Yoshioka, Fumitaka; Rhoton, Albert L. (January 27, 2013). "Microsurgical anatomy of the infratemporal fossa". Clinical Anatomy. 26 (4): 455–469. doi:10.1002/ca.22202. ISSN 0897-3806.
- 1 2 Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). Elsevier Australia. p. 364. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
- 1 2 3 4 Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42th ed.). New York. pp. 680–680.e1. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ↑ Gray, Henry (2015). Gray's Anatomy : The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Standring, Susan (41 ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. pp. 544, 551. ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9. OCLC 920806541.
