Anatomical verification and designation of the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle

作者：Lee Ju Young; Kim Jeong Nam; Kim Soon Heum; Choi Hyun Gon; Hu Kyung Seok; Kim Hee Jin; Song Wu Chul; Koh Ki Seok^*

来源：Clinical Anatomy, 2012, 25(2): 176-181.

DOI：10.1002/ca.21212

• temporalis muscle
• superficial layer
• anatomy
• topography

The temporalis muscle, which is one of the masticatory muscles, enables elevation and retraction of the mandible. Direct injury to the temporalis muscle, facial nerve, or temporal fat pad during cranial-base surgery can cause temporal hollowing. The temporalis muscle is currently described in almost all atlases and textbooks as comprising a single layer. In this study, a superficial layer of the temporalis muscle is described, clarifying the anatomy of this muscle. Twenty heads of adult cadavers were dissected. The gross anatomy of the temporalis muscle was examined after removing the skin, subcutaneous tissue, superficial temporal fascia, and deep temporal fascia. The superficial layer of the temporalis muscle was clearly distinguishable from the deep layer. The superficial layer originated from the same region as the deep layer, and the muscle fibers of the two layers were intermingled in the superior part of the muscle. The deep layer of the temporalis muscle, which is referred to in textbooks and atlases simply as the temporalis muscle, was exposed after removing the superficial layer. The existence of this superficial layer was confirmed herein both histologically and by magnetic resonance imaging. Henceforth, the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle must be included in descriptions of the temporalis muscle in anatomy textbooks and atlases. The findings of this study are important not only from the perspective of simply acquiring correct anatomical knowledge, but also from the surgical perspective in preventing temporal hollowing during related surgical procedures. Clin. Anat. 25:176181, 2012.

• 出版日期2012-3