Superficial temporal artery

Looks like

An end branch of the external carotid, pulsing just in front of the ear and branching over the temple.

What it does

Supplies the scalp at the temple and forehead, and the outer ear.

Keeping it well

In over-50s, new headache with a tender temple, jaw pain on chewing or blurred vision may be giant cell arteritis — same-day doctor, sight is at risk.

Its parts

• Frontal branch of superficial temporal artery
• Transverse facial artery

Related conditions

• Carotid artery stenosis
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hypothermia & frostbite
• Kawasaki disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Orthostatic hypotension & POTS
• Peripheral artery disease
• Phaeochromocytoma & hyperaldosteronism
• Pre-eclampsia
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Sepsis
• Shock (circulatory failure)
• Takayasu arteritis
• Vasculitis (GCA & others)