Deep temporal nerves

The deep temporal nerves are branches of the anterior division of the mandibular nerve that innervate the temporalis muscle.[1]

Deep temporal nerves
Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
Details
FromAnterior division of mandibular nerve
InnervatesTemporalis, temporomandibular joint
Identifiers
Latinnervi temporales profundi
TA98A14.2.01.071
TA26254
FMA53187
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy
Not to be confused with temporal branches of the facial nerve.

Structure

The deep temporal nerves are usually two in number[2] - the anterior deep temporal nerve and posterior deep temporal nerve.

Origin

They are usually branches of the anterior division of the mandibular nerve (CN V3) (one may branch from the buccal nerve).[2]

Course

They pass superior to the superior border of the lateral pterygoid muscle.[2] They ascend to enter the temporal fossa and enter the deep surface of the temporalis muscle.

Distribution

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.[1]

Variation

Number

Sometimes, three deep temporal nerves are present branching from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve. In this case the extra nerve is situated between the anterior and posterior and called the middle deep temporal nerve.

Origin

The anterior deep temporal nerve is sometimes a branch of the buccal nerve.

The posterior deep temporal nerve is sometimes a branch of the masseteric nerve.

References
  1. 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.
  2. Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). p. 364. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
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