The deep temporal nerves are motor branches of the mandibular nerve (CN V3).1 They originate in the infratemporal region and ascend deep to the temporalis muscle.2 These nerves provide motor innervation to the temporalis muscle, which elevates the mandible during chewing.3 The deep temporal nerves are relevant in surgical procedures and conditions affecting the infratemporal fossa and temporalis muscle.4
| Deep temporal nerves | |
|---|---|
 Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve | |
| Details | |
| From | Anterior division of mandibular nerve |
| Innervates | Temporalis, temporomandibular joint |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervi temporales profundi |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.071 |
| TA2 | 6254 |
| FMA | 53187 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
Structure
Origin
They usually arise from (the anterior division of) the mandibular nerve (CN V3).56
Course
They pass superior to the superior border of the lateral pterygoid muscle.5 They ascend to the temporal fossa and enter the deep surface of the temporalis muscle.6
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.7
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.6
Origin
The anterior one may arise from the buccal nerve, and the posterior one may arise from the masseteric nerve.6
References
References
- Standring, Susan; Tubbs, R. Shane, eds. (December 30, 2025). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (43rd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780443124785.
- Geers, C.; Nyssen-Behets, C.; Cosnard, G.; Lengelé, B. (2005-08-01). "The deep belly of the temporalis muscle: an anatomical, histological and MRI study". Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 27 (3): 184–191. doi:10.1007/s00276-004-0306-3. ISSN 1279-8517.
- Macdougall, J. D. B.; Andrew, B. L. (January 1953). "An electromyographic study of the temporalis and masseter muscles". Journal of Anatomy. 87 (1): 37–45. ISSN 0021-8782. PMC 1244565. PMID 13022581.
- Joo, Wonil; Funaki, Takeshi; Yoshioka, Fumitaka; Rhoton, Albert L. (January 27, 2013). "Microsurgical anatomy of the infratemporal fossa". Clinical Anatomy. 26 (4): 455–469. doi:10.1002/ca.22202. ISSN 0897-3806.
- Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). Elsevier Australia. p. 364. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
- Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42th ed.). New York. pp. 680–680.e1. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Gray, Henry (2015). Gray's Anatomy : The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Standring, Susan (41 ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. pp. 544, 551. ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9. OCLC 920806541.