The correct spelling of the word "temporal artery" is /ˈtɛmpərəl ˈɑrtəri/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short e sound /ɛ/, followed by the stress on the second syllable with a long a sound /ɑː/. The word "artery" is spelled with the letter "a" in each syllable, but is pronounced differently each time. The first syllable is pronounced with the short a sound /ˈɑr/ and the second syllable with the schwa sound /təri/. This word refers to the vessel that supplies blood to the temporal region of the head.
The temporal artery is a key blood vessel located on the side of the head, specifically in the temple region. It is one of the main branches of the carotid artery, responsible for supplying a significant amount of blood to the head and brain.
The temporal artery can be easily felt and sometimes seen pulsating when the hand is placed on the temple area. Its palpable presence makes it a convenient site for taking a person's pulse or checking for signs of inflammation or damage.
Being a major supplier of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, any disruption or blockage in the temporal artery can have serious consequences. Temporal arteritis is a disorder characterized by inflammation and swelling of this artery, often resulting in throbbing headaches, jaw pain, scalp tenderness, and vision problems. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential complications such as blindness or stroke.
The temporal artery is also utilized in certain medical procedures or diagnostic tests. For example, a temporal artery biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of inflammation and establish the diagnosis of temporal arteritis. Additionally, healthcare professionals may use Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow within this artery, providing valuable information about its integrity and functionality.
See under arteria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "temporal" originates from the Latin word "temporalis", which means "of the temples" or "pertaining to the temples". It is derived from the Latin noun "tempus", meaning "time".
The word "artery" comes from the Latin word "arteria", which is derived from the Greek word "arteria" and means "airpipe" or "windpipe". The term was used to describe the body's blood vessels because they were thought to carry air or breath.
Thus, the term "temporal artery" refers to the artery located in the vicinity of the temples.