Temporal Fossa

Question 1

What are the two main subdivisions of the temporal region?

Answer 1

Temporal fossa (superior) and infratemporal fossa (inferior).

Question 2

What structure separates the temporal fossa and infratemporal fossa?

Answer 2

The zygomatic arch.

Question 3

What bones form the floor of the temporal fossa?

Answer 3

Frontal, parietal, sphenoid (greater wing), and squamous part of the temporal bone.

Question 4

What muscle occupies most of the temporal fossa?

Answer 4

The temporalis muscle.

Question 5

What structure forms the roof of the temporal fossa?

Answer 5

The temporal fascia, covering the temporalis muscle.

Question 6

What artery runs within the temporal fossa and is a palpable clinical landmark?

Answer 6

The superficial temporal artery.

Question 7

What arteries supply the temporalis muscle?

Answer 7

The deep temporal arteries (branches of the maxillary artery) and middle temporal artery (branch of the superficial temporal artery).

Question 8

What is the significance of the pterion in the temporal fossa?

Answer 8

It is the junction of four bones (frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal), and fractures here can cause injury to the middle meningeal artery.

Question 9

What forms from the superior and inferior temporal lines?

Answer 9

The superior temporal line provides attachment for the temporal fascia, and the inferior temporal line marks the superior limit of the temporalis muscle.

Question 10

What is the main venous drainage from the temporal fossa?

Answer 10

The deep temporal veins, which drain into the pterygoid venous plexus.

Question 11

What nerves innervate the temporalis muscle?

Answer 11

The deep temporal nerves (branches of the mandibular nerve).

Question 12

What important nerve passes through the zygomaticotemporal foramen?

Answer 12

The zygomaticotemporal nerve (branch of the maxillary nerve).

Question 13

What are the boundaries of the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 13

Anterior: maxilla; Posterior: tympanic plate, mastoid, and styloid processes; Medial: lateral pterygoid plate; Lateral: ramus of mandible; Superior: greater wing of sphenoid.

Question 14

What muscles are contained within the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 14

The lateral pterygoid, medial pterygoid, and part of the temporalis muscle.

Question 15

What is the main artery within the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 15

The maxillary artery (terminal branch of the external carotid artery).

Question 16

What venous network is found within the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 16

The pterygoid venous plexus, which drains into the maxillary vein.

Question 17

What nerves pass through the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 17

The mandibular nerve (and branches), chorda tympani, and lesser petrosal nerve.

Question 18

What structures communicate between the temporal and infratemporal fossae?

Answer 18

The opening deep to the zygomatic arch.

Question 19

How does the infratemporal fossa communicate with the pterygopalatine fossa?

Answer 19

Through the pterygomaxillary fissure.

Question 20

What clinical symptoms may result from pathology in the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 20

Trismus (restricted jaw movement), mandibular nerve compression, and spread of infections.

Question 21

What forms the inferior boundary of the temporal fossa?

Answer 21

The zygomatic arch and infratemporal crest of the sphenoid bone.

Question 22

What nerves are found in the temporal fossa?

Answer 22

Deep temporal nerves (mandibular nerve), zygomaticotemporal nerve (maxillary nerve), auriculotemporal nerve (mandibular nerve), and temporal branches of the facial nerve.

Question 23

What two bones form the zygomatic arch?

Answer 23

The zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone