Transverse facial artery: course in the cheek
- Artery
Quick facts
- Origin
- Branch of the superficial temporal artery, usually arising while still inside the parotid gland.
- Course
- Runs forward over the masseter, below the zygomatic arch and above the parotid duct.
- Neighboring structures
- Parotid duct, zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve and the fascia covering the masseter.
- Anastomoses
- With the facial artery, the infraorbital artery and branches of the zygomatic region.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- Passes under the lateral cheek, the region of zygomatic and submalar filler.
The transverse facial artery is a branch of the superficial temporal artery that crosses the lateral cheek horizontally, from in front of the ear toward the face. It runs over the masseter muscle, just below the zygomatic arch, and supplies the parotid gland, the parotid duct, the masseter and the skin of the region. It is an artery of small to moderate caliber, but it is present in the area where the lateral contour of the zygomatic region is worked.
What is the course of the transverse facial artery?
It usually arises inside the parotid gland, at the point where the superficial temporal artery forms from the external carotid. It leaves through the anterior border of the gland and continues forward, almost parallel to the zygomatic arch, over the fascia of the masseter.
| Segment | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Inside the parotid | Arises from the superficial temporal artery, near the neck of the mandible |
| Over the masseter | Runs between the zygomatic arch, above, and the parotid duct, below |
| Anterior cheek | Divides into branches that join the facial artery and the infraorbital artery |
The distance to the arch, the number of branches and the caliber vary considerably between people and between sides. Published data serve for anatomical review, not as an injection map.
What is the relation to the parotid duct and the facial nerve?
The parotid duct follows the same horizontal path, slightly below the artery, to the anterior border of the masseter, where it dives deeper to cross the buccinator and open into the mouth. Zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve also cross this band, leaving the parotid in a fan. For this reason the lateral cheek, just below the arch, concentrates artery, duct and motor nerves in a small space.
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
- Zygomatic and submalar filler: the artery passes beneath the region where lateral projection and cheek support are sought. The topic is covered in zygomatic filler.
- Network of anastomoses: it communicates with the facial and infraorbital arteries. Product inside a vessel of this network can reach territory at a distance.
- Toxin in the masseter: the injection area in the masseter lies below the course of the artery and the duct. See botulinum toxin in the masseter.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Lateral contour of the middle third: the region over the masseter, below the arch, is where the artery runs.
- Palpable pulse: in some people the pulse in front of the ear (superficial temporal artery) can be felt, which helps recall the origin.
- Previous surgeries: facelifts and procedures on the parotid change the local anatomy.
An overview of the areas requiring most attention is in vascular danger zones of the face.
Also called: transverse facial artery (alternative name), arteria transversa faciei.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the transverse facial artery come from?
It is a branch of the superficial temporal artery, which in turn is a terminal branch of the external carotid. It usually arises inside the parotid, just before the superficial temporal artery rises in front of the ear.
Does the transverse facial artery pose a risk in filler?
Every artery of the face calls for care with hyaluronic acid. The transverse facial artery crosses the lateral cheek and communicates with the facial and infraorbital arteries, so the region calls for vascular knowledge and hyaluronidase on hand.