Anatomical study of the temporal fasciae and fat pads

Abstract

Background and aim: Although a great number of studies have been published on the anatomy of the various fascial layers in the temporal region and the interposed fat pads, there is still uncertainty regarding the organization of the temporal fasciae, above all at the level of the zygomatic arch, and the relationships between the latter and the frontal branch of the facial nerve. This study aimed to describe the anatomy of the temporal fasciae and their relationships both with the interposed fat pads and with the frontal branch of the facial nerve.

Methods: The study was carried out in 10 heads from fresh cadavers which were used to dissect the different tissue layers at the level of the temporo-zygomatic arch.

Results: The results of the dissections made in this study confirm the existence of three over-lying fascial layers (superficial temporal fascia, intermediate temporal fascia and deep temporal fascia), interposed by the same number of fat pads (superficial, intermediate and deep). The frontal branch runs below the superficial fat pad in close contact with the periosteum of the zygomatic arch.

Conclusions: The authors suggest adopting a single nomenclature to describe the fasciae and the fat pads in the temporal region.