Superficial Temporal Artery — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyAnatomy (Head & Neck)Superficial Temporal ArteryMFDS Part 1

The superficial temporal artery is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery. At which surface landmark can its pulse be most readily palpated?

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Correct answer: E — Immediately anterior and slightly superior to the tragus

The superficial temporal artery pulse is most readily palpated immediately anterior and slightly superior to the tragus, where the vessel crosses the posterior root of the zygomatic arch and lies superficially. The mastoid process lies behind the auricle and is not a standard arterial pulse point. A pulse at the inferior mandibular border near the anterior edge of the masseter would be from the facial artery, not the superficial temporal artery. The lateral orbital end of the zygomatic arch is too far anterior. Although the superficial temporal artery originates within the parotid region near the mandibular condyle, it is deeper there and is not most easily palpated at that site.

Reference: St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Headache Management in Primary Care, Focused Examination section. 2019. https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Headache-Management-in-Primary-Care-Dr-Nirmalanthan-April-2019.pdf