Background The superficial temporal artery (STA), a terminal branch of the external carotid artery, supplies multiple regions of the scalp and face. Knowledge of the STA is important for reconstructive and aesthetic procedures of the head and face. Objectives The aim of this study was to map the STA in relation to anatomical landmarks. Methods Computed tomographic head angiographies of 215 patients were included in this study; the final analysis comprised 419 STAs. The STA’s main branches and variants were identified. The diameters of the STA and its frontal and occipital branches were measured, and the distance between the STA tree and anatomical landmarks was delineated. Results Frontal and parietal branches were recorded in 98.1% and 90.7% of patients, respectively. The mean diameters, measured 1 and 7 cm from the STA bifurcation for the frontal branch, were 0.97 ± 0.32 and 0.81 ± 0.26 mm, respectively, and for the parietal branch, the diameters were 0.96 ± 0.28 and 0.76 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. The STA bifurcation point was located above the zygomatic arch (ZA) in 75.6%, below in 14.7%, and on the ZA in 9.7% of patients. The mean distance from the ZA center to the STA bifurcation was 16.8 ± 16.0 mm. Conclusions The STA artery and its main branches follow a conservative course, and serious anatomical variations are relatively rare. The STA and its main branches may be localized using simple anatomical landmarks. An anatomical map showing artery-free zones in the lateral forehead region was presented, which may prove useful for plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeons. Level of Evidence: 4

Background The facial artery (FA) is the main blood vessel supplying the anterior face and an understanding of its anatomy is crucial in facial reconstruction and aesthetic procedures. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the many anatomical features of the FA utilizing a multidimensional approach. Methods Head and neck computed tomographic angiographies of 131 patients (255 FAs) with good image quality were evaluated. The FA was classified according to its termination pattern, course, and location with reference to soft tissue/bone surrounding structures. Results In total, each branch was present as follows: the submental artery (44.8%), the inferior labial artery (60%), the superior labial artery (82.2%), the lateral nasal artery (25.1%), and the angular artery (42.5%). The most common FA course was the classic course, situated medially to the nasolabial fold (27.1%). In total 65.5% of the arteries were located medially to the nasolabial fold, and only 12.3% of them were totally situated lateral to the nasolabial fold. The median distance (with quartiles) from the inferior orbital rim reached the FA after the superior labial artery branched off in 50.2% of cases and was 36.6 mm (33.4; 43.3). The angle between the FA and the inferior border of the mandible was 49.8o (31.9; 72.4). The horizontal distances between the oral commissure and naris to the FA were 8.5 ± 4.0 mm and 12.1 ± 6.7 mm, respectively. Conclusions An anatomical map summarizing the major measurements and geometry of the FA was generated. The detailed anatomy and relative positioning of the FA should be considered to avoid any unexpected complications in plastic surgery.

Introduction: The superficial temporal artery (STA) is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery. It supplies the regions of scalp and face. The morphometrical data concerning STAs are not consistent; therefore, in this systemic review and meta-analysis, we aimed in this to provide an up-to-date data on its anatomic features. Material and methods: In order to do this, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were searched. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items and Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the meta-analysis. Studies that reported the prevalence and anatomical data regarding STA were included in further analyses. Results: Out of 1,446 studies initially evaluated, 21 were included in the metaanalysis (874 patients/donors). The STA diameter was 1.5 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-1.53 mm). The frontal and parietal branches of the STA were present in 97.6% (95% CIs: 94.6-99.5%) and 96.4% (95% CIs: 93.5-98.5%) of the cases, respectively. The STA bifurcation point was located above the zygomatic arch in 79.1% (95% CI: 68.0-84.3), below the zygomatic arch in 6.7% (95% CI: 2.4-12.1), and on the zygomatic arch in 11.1% of the cases (95% CI: 5.4-17.5). There was no bifurcation of the STA in 3.1% of the cases (95% CI: 0.4-7.3). Conclusion: The most comprehensive analysis of STA morphological features is presented. The results from this evidence-based anatomical study will improve understanding of the clinical STA anatomy, which in turn has major implications for understanding the STA in clinical practice.

The most common configuration of MCA is bifurcation before the genu with no dominating post-division trunk. Incidence of MCA aneurysms is not correlated with anatomical variations of MCA and the circle of Willis.

Background The forehead has substantial importance as an aesthetic unit. The central and supraorbital parts of this area are supplied by the supratrochlear (ST) and supraorbital (SO) arteries, as well as the recently defined paracentral (PA) and central arteries. Objectives This study aimed to assess the morphometry of the vessels of the forehead in the context of plastic surgery and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Methods This research included 40 cadavers who were directed for forensic autopsy and subjected to postmortem computed tomography angiography. In total, 75 hemifaces were examined for the course and location of arteries, relative to the bones and surrounding structures. Results The arteries were observed as follow: ST in 97.3%, SO in 89.3% and PA in 44.0%. The PA can be expected in the 13 mm wide zone starting 2 mm laterally from the midline. The ST should be expected in the 10 mm wide area extended laterally from the tenth millimeter from the midline and the SO should be expected in the slightly wider (11 mm) area extending laterally from the 20th millimeter from the midline. For the proximal main trunks of the ST and SO arteries, we observed no overlap between the zones of occurrence, whereas the zones for the PA and ST main proximal trunks did overlap. No distinctive central artery was observed in the midline region of the forehead, but instead, a network of small vessels in the midline region was visible. Conclusion The ST is the main and most conservative artery of this region, while the PA is the most variable. A unique and detailed anatomical map was created to better understand the vasculature of the forehead area.