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 In anatomy, the temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing). It is a broad, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic a ...

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 The lateral pterygoid muscle (or external pterygoid muscle) is a muscle of mastication. It has two heads. It lies superior to the medial pterygoid muscle. It is supplied by pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery, and the lateral pterygoid n ...

. They ascend to the

temporal fossa The temporal fossa is a fossa (shallow depression) on the side of the skull bounded by the temporal lines above, and the zygomatic arch below. Its floor is formed by the outer surfaces of four bones of the skull. The fossa is filled by the te ...

and enter the deep surface of the temporalis muscle.

Distribution

The deep temporal nerves provide motor innervation to the

. The deep temporal nerves also have articular branches which provide a minor contribution to the innervation of the

temporomandibular joint In anatomy, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints connecting the jawbone to the skull. It is a bilateral Synovial joint, synovial articulation between the temporal bone of the skull above and the condylar process of mandible be ...

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

{{Authority control Mandibular nerve