Topics

Topic

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Superficial temporal artery

The superficial temporal artery (STA) is one of the terminal branches of the external carotid artery, supplying blood to the scalp and portions of the face. Easily palpable anterior to the ear, it is clinically significant for vascular and inflammatory conditions of the scalp and temporal region. MRI evaluation of the STA is important in the assessment of arteritis, trauma, and vascular lesions. The vessel is best visualized on high-resolution sequences, and its appearance varies with MRI technique.

Synonyms

  • Superficial temporal artery (STA)

  • Arteria temporalis superficialis (Latin)

  • Temporal superficial artery

Anatomy

  • Terminal branch of the external carotid artery

  • Ascends anterior to the ear, over the zygomatic arch

  • Divides into frontal and parietal branches

  • Supplies scalp above the auricle and parts of the lateral forehead

MRI Appearance

PD (Proton Density) Sequence

  • STA appears as a flow void: a round or tubular hypointense (dark) signal representing fast-flowing blood

  • Vessel wall may not be clearly visualized unless inflamed or thickened

  • Surrounding soft tissue anatomy is well depicted

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) Sequence

  • Flow void within the lumen, similar to PD sequence

  • STIR is sensitive for detecting inflammatory changes around the artery

T1-Weighted Sequence

  • STA typically demonstrates a flow void (dark lumen) due to rapid blood flow

  • Vessel wall may enhance after contrast administration (in cases of arteritis)

  • Helps to delineate adjacent anatomical structures and soft tissue planes

MRI images

Superficial temporal artery mri image