ABSTRACT

The temporal artery, the branch of middle cerebral artery is not thoroughly discussed in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal artery in cadavers and to define its branching pattern in temporal lobe, which was supplied by this artery.

This study was performed on 27 human cadaveric brains (54 cerebral hemispheres). After irrigating brain arteries were injected with colored latex to be ready for dis-section. The temporal artery was defined. Its origins and its cortical branches were demonstrated. The diameter, their supply areas and the relationships of the arteries with each other were indi-cated.

Temporal artery was determined in almost at all hemispheres. It was observed that num-ber of the branches to the temporal lobe varies between two and four. It was established that diameters of the temporal artery as well as its cortical branches were increased if they originated as early branches.

Temporal artery usually was neglected by anatomists and neurosurgeons. When the area of this artery supplies and variability of it branching pattern was taken in account, this artery should be taken into consideration.

Keywords: Middle Cerebral Artery, Temporal Artery, Cortical Branches, Cadaver, Brain