Temporal fascia

The temporal fascia (a.k.a. the deep temporal fascia) is a dense, fibrous aponeurotic layer that covers the temporalis muscle in the temporal fossa. It forms the deep fascial layer of the lateral scalp and temple, lying deep to the temporoparietal fascia (i.e. the superficial temporal fascia) and superficial to the temporalis muscle.

It is a continuation of the deep cervical fascia, that also contributes inferiorly to the parotidomasseteric fascial system.

Attachments

• Superiorly: To the superior temporal line, where it blends with the periosteum of the skull.

• Inferiorly: At the level of the zygomatic arch, it splits into superficial and deep laminae:

  • The superficial lamina attaches to the lateral (outer) margin of the zygomatic arch.

  • The deep lamina attaches to the medial (inner) margin of the arch.

• Medially (deep surface): Provides attachment for the superficial fibres of the temporalis muscle.

• Laterally (superficial surface): Related to some loose areolar tissue and small amount of fat (temporoparietal fat pad).

Relations (summary)

Superficial and Deep Laminae of temporal fascia

At the zygomatic arch, the deep temporal fascia divides into:

• A superficial lamina, attaching to the outer lip of the arch.

• A deep lamina, attaching to the inner lip of the arch. The space between these layers encloses the superficial temporal fat pad, which contains the zygomatico-orbital branch of the superficial temporal artery and the zygomaticotemporal branch of the maxillary nerve.

Relationship with Temporoparietal Fascia and SMAS

• The temporoparietal fascia (superficial temporal fascia) lies superficial to the temporal fascia and is continuous superiorly with the galea aponeurotica and inferiorly with the SMAS and platysma.

• The plane between the temporoparietal fascia and the temporal fascia contains the temporoparietal fat pad and temporal branches of the facial nerve → This fascial separation is critical during facial and scalp surgery, as dissection deep to the temporoparietal fascia protects the temporal branch of the facial nerve.

Clinical and Functional Significance

• The temporal fascia provides attachment for the temporalis muscle, protection for underlying neurovascular structures, and definition to the temporal contour.

• The temporoparietal and temporal fasciae, along with the SMAS, form a continuous musculoaponeurotic network extending from the scalp to the face and neck.

Summary

• Temporal fascia: Deep, dense fascia covering temporalis.

• Superior attachment: Superior temporal line.

• Inferior attachment: Splits over zygomatic arch (superficial → outer lip; deep → inner lip).

• Superficial to temporal fascia: Temporoparietal fat pad and temporoparietal fascia (SMAS layer).

• Deep to temporal fascia: Deep temporal fat pad and temporalis muscle.

• Clinical importance: Defines surgical planes and protects temporal branches of the facial nerve.