Where is the zygomaticotemporal foramen located?
The foramen is located on the temporal surface (Facies temporalis) of the paired zygomatic bone (Os zygomaticum). This surface faces the infratemporal fossa.
The zygomatic bone has three surfaces: lateral, orbital, and temporal. On the orbital surface (Facies orbitalis), which contributes to the formation of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit, lies the zygomaticoorbitale foramen (Foramen zygomaticoorbitale).
A canal originates from the zygomaticoorbitale foramen within the bone substance and branches into two canals. One opens on the lateral surface as the zygomaticofacial foramen (Foramen zygomaticofaciale), and the second opens on the temporal surface as the zygomaticotemporal foramen (Foramen zygomaticotemporale).
What passes through the zygomaticotemporal foramen?
The zygomaticotemporal nerve (N. zygomaticotemporalis) emerges through the zygomaticotemporal foramen.
The pathway of this nerve and its formation are as follows:
- Origin: The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a branch of the zygomatic nerve (N. zygomaticus).
- Origin of the zygomatic nerve: The zygomatic nerve branches off from the maxillary nerve (N. maxillaris), which represents the second branch of the trigeminal nerve.
- Course in the orbit: The zygomatic nerve enters the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure (Fissura orbitalis inferior) along with the infraorbital nerve and infraorbital vessels.
- Inside the bone: The nerve enters the zygomaticoorbitale foramen, where it divides into branches within the bony canal. The zygomaticotemporal branch emerges through the Foramen zygomaticotemporale.
Topography and connections with adjacent structures
The zygomaticotemporal foramen connects the orbit with the temporal fossa (Fossa temporalis).
- The temporal fossa is bounded superiorly by the superior temporal line, inferiorly by the zygomatic arch and infratemporal crest, anteriorly by the frontal process of the zygomatic bone and temporal surface of the zygomatic bone, and posteriorly and medially by the greater wing of the sphenoid bone.
- The lateral wall of the orbit (Paries lateralis) is formed by the zygomatic process of the frontal bone, the orbital surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, and the orbital surface of the zygomatic bone.
Clinical significance in trauma
Fractures of the zygomatic bone and zygomatic arch account for 6 to 20% of all facial bone trauma cases.
The main causes of such injuries include impacts to the face, falls, traffic accidents, industrial accidents, and sports injuries. On radiographic examination, a fracture line may be identified in the region of the frontozygomatic suture and the zygomatic arch.
Class and exam questions
On which wall of the orbit does the canal leading to the zygomaticotemporal foramen originate?
The canal begins on the lateral wall of the orbit at the zygomaticoorbitale foramen (Foramen zygomaticoorbitale), located on the orbital surface of the zygomatic bone.
The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a branch of which nerve?
The zygomaticotemporal nerve (N. zygomaticotemporalis) is a branch of the zygomatic nerve (N. zygomaticus), which in turn branches off from the maxillary nerve (N. maxillaris, 2nd branch of the trigeminal nerve).
Which anatomical spaces does this foramen connect?
The zygomaticotemporal foramen provides communication between the orbit and the temporal fossa (Fossa temporalis) via an intraosseous canal.
What else to study on this topic
- Zygomatic bone (Os zygomaticum)
- Temporal fossa (Fossa temporalis)
- Orbit (Orbita) and its walls
- Maxillary nerve (N. maxillaris)
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