## Arterial Supply of the Scalp **Key Point:** The superficial temporal artery is the terminal branch of the external carotid artery and is the primary arterial supply to the superficial tissues of the scalp, particularly the temporal and parietal regions. ### Scalp Arterial Anatomy The scalp receives blood supply from five main arteries that form an extensive anastomotic network: | Artery | Origin | Region Supplied | | --- | --- | --- | | Superficial temporal | External carotid | Temporal and anterior parietal | | Posterior auricular | External carotid | Posterior auricular region | | Occipital | External carotid | Occipital region | | Supratrochlear | Ophthalmic (Internal carotid) | Medial forehead | | Supraorbital | Ophthalmic (Internal carotid) | Forehead and anterior scalp | **High-Yield:** The superficial temporal artery is clinically significant because: - It is palpable anterior to the ear and is used to assess pulse in infants - It is vulnerable during facelift surgery and temporal artery biopsy - It anastomoses freely with contralateral branches, explaining why scalp wounds bleed profusely but heal well **Clinical Pearl:** The rich anastomotic network of scalp arteries means that even if one major artery is occluded, collateral circulation maintains tissue viability. However, this same feature causes scalp wounds to bleed excessively because vessels cannot constrict effectively due to their firm attachment to the galea aponeurotica. **Mnemonic:** **SOAPO** = Superficial temporal, Occipital, Anterior auricular (posterior auricular), Posterior auricular, Ophthalmic branches (supratrochlear and supraorbital). 
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.