Inferior temporal line

The superior and inferior temporal lines are two slightly raised, curved bony ridges on the side of the skull. They mark the front and upper edges of the temporal fossa, a shallow space on the skull’s lateral surface. These temporal lines start together from the zygomatic process of the frontal bone, as a common stem that splits into two: the superior and inferior temporal lines. They then curve upwards and backwards over the frontal and parietal bones. The superior temporal line gradually disappears as it goes, but the inferior temporal line keeps going, eventually connecting with the supramastoid crest and zygomatic process of the temporal bone at its lower end.

The superior temporal line serves as an attachment line for the temporal fascia, while the inferior temporal line marks the upper limit of the muscular origin of the Temporalis muscle.