{{Distinguish|temporal branches of the facial nerve}} The '''deep temporal nerves''' are motor branches of the mandibular nerve (CN V<sub>3</sub>).<ref>{{Cite book |title=Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=9780443124785 |editor-last=Standring |editor-first=Susan |edition=43rd |publication-date=December 30, 2025 |editor-last2=Tubbs |editor-first2=R. Shane}}</ref> They originate in the infratemporal region and ascend deep to the temporalis muscle.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Geers |first=C. |last2=Nyssen-Behets |first2=C. |last3=Cosnard |first3=G. |last4=Lengelé |first4=B. |date=2005-08-01 |title=The deep belly of the temporalis muscle: an anatomical, histological and MRI study |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-004-0306-3 |journal=Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy |language=en |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=184–191 |doi=10.1007/s00276-004-0306-3 |issn=1279-8517|url-access=subscription }}</ref> These nerves provide motor innervation to the temporalis muscle, which elevates the mandible during chewing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Macdougall |first=J. D. B. |last2=Andrew |first2=B. L. |date=January 1953 |title=An electromyographic study of the temporalis and masseter muscles |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13022581 |journal=Journal of Anatomy |volume=87 |issue=1 |pages=37–45 |issn=0021-8782 |pmc=1244565 |pmid=13022581}}</ref> The deep temporal nerves are relevant in surgical procedures and conditions affecting the infratemporal fossa and temporalis muscle.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Joo |first=Wonil |last2=Funaki |first2=Takeshi |last3=Yoshioka |first3=Fumitaka |last4=Rhoton |first4=Albert L. |date=January 27, 2013 |title=Microsurgical anatomy of the infratemporal fossa |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ca.22202 |journal=Clinical Anatomy |language=en |volume=26 |issue=4 |pages=455–469 |doi=10.1002/ca.22202 |issn=0897-3806|url-access=subscription }}</ref> {{Infobox nerve | Name = Deep temporal nerves | Latin = nervi temporales profundi | Image = Deep_temporal.png | Caption = Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve | Image2 = | Caption2 = | Innervates = Temporalis, temporomandibular joint | BranchFrom = Anterior division of mandibular nerve | BranchTo = }}
==Structure== === Origin === They usually arise from (the anterior division of) the mandibular nerve (CN V<sub>3</sub>).'''<ref name=":022">{{Cite book |last=Sinnatamby |first=Chummy S. |title=Last's Anatomy |publisher= Elsevier Australia|year=2011 |isbn=978-0-7295-3752-0 |edition=12th |pages=364}}</ref><ref name=":224">{{Cite book |last=Standring |first=Susan |title=Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice |year=2020 |isbn=978-0-7020-7707-4 |edition=42th |location=New York |pages=680–680.e1 |oclc=1201341621}}</ref>'''
=== Course === They pass superior to the superior border of the lateral pterygoid muscle.'''<ref name=":022" />''' They ascend to the temporal fossa{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} and enter the deep surface of the temporalis muscle.'''<ref name=":224" />'''
=== Distribution === The deep temporal nerves provide motor innervation to the temporalis muscle. The deep temporal nerves also have articular branches which provide a minor contribution to the innervation of the temporomandibular joint.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Gray |first=Henry |title=Gray's Anatomy : The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice |publisher=Elsevier |others=Standring, Susan |year=2015 |isbn=978-0-7020-5230-9 |edition=41 |location=Philadelphia |pages=544, 551 |oclc=920806541}}</ref>
=== Variation === '''Number'''
There are usually two deep temporal nerves - the ''anterior deep temporal nerve'' and ''posterior deep temporal nerve''. Occasionally, a third one is present - the ''middle deep temporal nerve''.'''<ref name=":224" />'''
'''Origin'''
The anterior one may arise from the buccal nerve, and the posterior one may arise from the masseteric nerve.'''<ref name=":224" />'''
==References== <references /> {{Trigeminal nerve}} {{Portal bar|Anatomy}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Mandibular nerve