The ‘temple’ on the side of your head is a particularly noteworthy anatomical region. Understanding its structure and vulnerabilities can provide valuable insight into its importance.
Anatomical Location and Definition
The temple is the flat region located on either side of the head, positioned behind the eye and between the forehead and the ear. This area is present bilaterally. It marks a crucial juncture where several cranial bones converge.
This specific location serves as a landmark on the skull. The temple overlies portions of the temporal and sphenoid bones. Its boundaries are well-defined, establishing a distinct anatomical space on the lateral aspect of the head.
Key Structures Within the Temple
The temple’s anatomical significance lies in the convergence of four major skull bones: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. This meeting point is known as the pterion, an “H” shaped formation of sutures. The pterion is a key landmark in this region due to its structural characteristics.
Beneath this bony junction, several important structures are located. The temporalis muscle, a broad, fan-shaped muscle, covers much of this area. This muscle plays a role in mastication, or chewing, by elevating and retracting the lower jaw.
Running directly underneath the pterion is the anterior division of the middle meningeal artery, a significant blood vessel that supplies blood to the dura mater, the outer covering of the brain. Branches of the trigeminal nerve, specifically the deep temporal nerves, also traverse this region, providing nerve supply to the temporalis muscle. The presence of these vessels and nerves in close proximity to the bony convergence point contributes to the temple’s anatomical profile.
Vulnerability and Clinical Significance
The temple region is notably vulnerable due to the inherent thinness of the skull bones at the pterion. This area is considered the weakest part of the skull, making it susceptible to impact injuries. Even a seemingly minor blow can result in a fracture.
A serious concern with injury to the pterion is the risk of an epidural hematoma. If the middle meningeal artery, which lies just beneath this thin bone, is ruptured, blood can accumulate rapidly between the skull and the brain’s outer covering. This accumulation can exert pressure on the brain, requiring immediate medical attention and often surgical intervention to relieve pressure and prevent severe neurological damage or death.
The temple area is also commonly associated with various types of headaches. Pain in the temples can stem from tension headaches, often caused by stress or muscle tension. Migraines can also manifest with throbbing pain in the temple region, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms like light sensitivity. Other conditions such as cluster headaches, temporal arteritis (inflammation of the temporal arteries), and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can also cause pain in this area.
The Origin of the Name “Temple”
The word “temple,” when referring to this part of the head, has an interesting etymological background. It stems from the Latin word “tempus,” which means “time.” The connection to “time” is thought to derive from two potential observations.
One theory suggests that the hair in this region is often among the first to show signs of graying, thus indicating the passage of time. Another possibility relates to the visible pulsations of the superficial temporal artery, which can be felt in this area, akin to the ticking of a clock. It is important to note that this anatomical “temple” has a different Latin origin from “templum,” which refers to a place of worship.