The superficial temporal artery: anatomical type and clinical application to the flap of the fascia temporal superficialis

The goal of our study is to assess the anatomical type of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in the black population using the classification of Ricbourg et al.. Forty-seven fresh cadavers and three extracted and frozen heads were included in this study. The external carotid artery was isolated in the neck and injected by Rhodopas stained with Congo Red. The superficial temporal artery was dissected using a Y-shaped skin incision. The last step of the procedure was to remove the flap of the fascia superficialis temporis. The third segment of the superficial temporal artery and its terminal branches were studied. This segment courses cephalad and wraps the zygomatic arcade. It splits into two terminal branches: the temporo-frontal and the temporo-parietal ones. The most important of its collaterals, the zygomato-maleus artery, plays a crucial role for distinguishing the subtypes of STA according to the classification of Ricbourg et al.. Indeed, this branch can be subdivided into two types: --type I: the zygomato-malar artery arises from the trunk of the STA; it courses perpendicular and with a slightly ascending direction; this type accounts for 93% of the cases. --type II: the zygomato-malar artery originates from the branch of the temporo-frontal artery. Its course is either horizontal or caudad. This type accounts for 3% of the cases. Our results confirm those of Ricbourg et al.. Thus, we could not CONFIRM the notion of a racial predominance of typology of the STA in our context. We did not study the dimensions of STA and also the level of its bifurcation. Indeed, it has been largely reported in the literature. These elements constitute the anatomic basis of the surgical use of temporal flaps. The vessel-containing tissue in which travels the STA forms the so-called fascia temporalis superficialis whose plasticity and polyvalency are critical during the procedures of plastic and reconstructive surgeries.