Zygomatico-orbital artery: The largest artery in the temporal area

The Superficial Temporal Artery and Zygomatico-Orbital Artery: Superficial Arterial Distribution of the Anterior Temple Area

“…As interest in beauty increased, the number of temporal fossa augmentation also increased. Consequently, the number of reconstructive flap surgeries for supplying blood circulation to defective areas of the face or neck increases [ 3 ]. However, such procedures may be associated with various complications such as hematoma, headache, ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, embolism, and even blindness as a result of accidental injection of the filler material into the arteries of the temporal region [ 2 ].…”

Vascular anatomy of temporal fossa

“…The mean diameter of the ZOA was found to be smaller than in other samples, 44,45 at 1.2mm (SD: 0.2), and it had extensive anastomoses with various periorbital arteries at the lateral orbital rim (Figure 15). The authors maintained that when injecting filler into the layer between the deep and superficial temporal fascia, caution should be taken to avoid the ZOA.…”

“…36 The zygomatico-orbital artery (ZOA) Despite being the largest artery in the temporal area, with a mean diameter up to 2.52mm, the anatomy of the zygomatico-orbital artery (ZOA) has rarely been studied in relation to filler injections. 44,45 The ZOA forms from the external carotid artery, as the main branch of the MTA; and runs parallel to the upper zygomatic arch. Subsequently, it runs horizontally toward the lateral canthus and transfers to the palpebral and superficial orbital arteries.…”

“…Unlike the other main arteries of the temporal region, investigators have been unable to locate a concomitant vein associated with the ZOA. 45 Based on the results of an anatomical study in fifty patients who underwent CT imaging, the branching pattern of the ZOA was classified into three types, depending on its bifurcation and relationship with other arteries. Subtype A1 runs toward the lateral canthus without bifurcation; A2 bifurcates once or twice in the main course toward the lateral canthus; and Type B formed an additional anastomosis with an adjacent artery (Figure 14).…”

“…48 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2017.10.003). 45 Another classification pattern for the branching of the ZOA was recently proposed, based on findings from fifty-eight patients who underwent head contrast-enhanced 3D computed tomography and an investigation of ten fresh frozen cadavers. 49 It was observed that the majority (i.e., 94%) of ZOAs derived directly from the STA, with the remaining arteries starting from the anterior branch of the STA.…”