Definition

Noun 1. An artery supplying blood to the temporal region of the head: Specifically, any of the three arteries (the superficial temporal artery, the middle temporal artery, and the deep temporal arteries) located on each side of the head. These arteries are branches of the external carotid artery and supply blood to the scalp and muscles in the temporal area. 2. A key anatomical structure in medical diagnosis: The temporal artery, particularly the superficial temporal artery, is often used as a pulse point and is significant in conditions like temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor palpated the patient's temporal artery to check the pulse and for signs of tenderness.
  • Inflammation of the temporal artery can cause severe headaches and vision problems.
  • The superficial temporal artery is the most easily accessible branch for examination.

Advanced Usage

• "Temporal artery biopsy": A medical procedure where a small sample of the temporal artery is removed and examined, primarily to diagnose temporal arteritis.
  • The patient underwent a temporal artery biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.
• "Temporal arteritis": Also known as giant cell arteritis, this is a serious condition involving inflammation of the temporal arteries.
  • Early treatment of temporal arteritis is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.

Variants and Related Words

• Superficial temporal artery (n): The main terminal branch of the external carotid artery, running in front of the ear and supplying the scalp.
• Deep temporal arteries (n): Usually two arteries (anterior and posterior) that supply the temporalis muscle.
• Middle temporal artery (n): A smaller branch that arises from the superficial temporal artery and supplies the temporalis muscle.
• Temporal (adj): Relating to the temples or the sides of the head behind the eyes; also relating to time.

Synonyms

• Artery of the temple: A descriptive synonym.
• Branch of the external carotid artery: An anatomical description of its origin.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Carotid artery: The main artery supplying the head and neck, from which the temporal arteries branch.
• Pulse point: A location on the body where arterial pulses can be easily felt; the temporal artery is one such point.
• Vasculitis: A general term for inflammation of blood vessels, which includes temporal arteritis.

Noun

1. any of the three arteries on either side of the brain supplying the cortex of the temporal lobe