The temporoparietalis is the thin muscular layer of the temporoparietal fascia (SMAS extension) spanning from the temporal fascia to the lateral galea, representing the vestigial auricular musculature in humans. It tenses the scalp fascia in the temporal region and is the muscle layer elevated as the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap in reconstructive surgery. Most people cannot voluntarily move their ears, rendering this muscle functionally vestigial.
| Origin | Temporal fascia above the ear |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Lateral border of the galea aponeurotica |
| Nerve Supply | Temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Superficial temporal artery |
| Actions | Pulls the ear and scalp superiorly; Tenses the temporoparietal fascia; Vestigial — contributes to ear movement in individuals who can wiggle their ears |
|---|
The temporoparietalis forms the SMAS layer of the temporal scalp region — a fascial layer that transmits facial nerve branch movements and provides the surgical plane for facelift elevation of the temporal scalp tissue.
The temporoparietalis fascia (TPF) is a reliable, thin, well-vascularised fascial flap supplied by the superficial temporal artery used for ear, orbital, and skull base reconstruction. Facelift dissection in the temporal region elevates the TPF to access the SMAS for rejuvenation procedures. The temporal branch of the facial nerve runs on the deep surface of the TPF and must be protected during temporal facelift dissection.
Not individually palpable as a distinct muscle belly due to its thin fascial nature, but the TPF plane can be identified during temporal surgical dissection as the layer above the superficial temporal artery.
Temporal branch CN VII damage during temporal facelift or cranial surgery producing brow ptosis from frontalis denervation, managed with nerve repair or brow suspension procedures.
