Superficial layer of temporal fascia
Lamina superficialis fasciae temporalis
- Related terms: Superficial layer; Temporal fascia: Superficial layer
Definition
The superficial layer of temporal fascia refers to the outer lamina of the (deep) temporal fascia, that attaches to the outer lip (or lateral margin) of the zygomatic arch.
It should not be confused with the superficial temporal fascia—also known as the temporoparietal fascia—which lies external to the (deep) temporal fascia and forms part of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) of the face.
These two fascial layers are separated by the temporoparietal fat pad, a plane of loose areolar tissue and fat that also transmits branches of the temporal division of the facial nerve.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 30: Face and scalp, pp. 477.
