Deep temporal nerves
title: "Deep temporal nerves" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["mandibular-nerve"] topic_path: "general/mandibular-nerve" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_temporal_nerves" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="Infobox nerve"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Deep temporal nerves |
| Latin | nervi temporales profundi |
| Image | Deep_temporal.png |
| Caption | Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve |
| Innervates | Temporalis, temporomandibular joint |
| BranchFrom | Anterior division of mandibular nerve |
| :: |
The deep temporal nerves are typically two nerves (one anterior and one posterior) which arise from the mandibular nerve (CN V3) and provide motor innervation to the temporalis muscle. | Name = Deep temporal nerves | Latin = nervi temporales profundi | Image = Deep_temporal.png | Caption = Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve | Image2 = | Caption2 = | Innervates = Temporalis, temporomandibular joint | BranchFrom = Anterior division of mandibular nerve | BranchTo =
Structure
Origin
They usually arise from (the anterior division of) the mandibular nerve (CN V3).****
Course
They pass superior to the superior border of the lateral pterygoid muscle.**** They ascend to the temporal fossa and enter the deep surface of the temporalis muscle.****
Distribution
The deep temporal nerves provide motor innervation to the temporalis muscle. The deep temporal nerves also have articular branches which provide a minor contribution to the innervation of the temporomandibular joint.
Variation
Number
There are usually two deep temporal nerves - the anterior deep temporal nerve and posterior deep temporal nerve. Occasionally, a third one is present - the middle deep temporal nerve.****
Origin
The anterior one may arise from the buccal nerve, and the posterior one may arise from the masseteric nerve.****
References
References
- Sinnatamby, Chummy S.. (2011). "Last's Anatomy". Elsevier Australia.
- Standring, Susan. (2020). "Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice".
- Gray, Henry. (2015). "Gray's Anatomy : The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice". Elsevier.
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