Temporoparietalis
Ear · Head & Neck
The temporoparietalis is a thin, variable sheet of the epicranial musculature lying over the temple, between the auricular muscles below and the epicranial aponeurosis above. It arises from the temporal fascia above the auricularis muscles and inserts into the lateral border of the galea aponeurotica, the epicranial aponeurosis. Acting on the scalp, it tightens the scalp and draws back the skin of the temples, and it assists in raising the ear. Along with the other scalp and auricular muscles, it is supplied by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). It is frequently described as a variant and is often poorly developed.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Temporal fascia, above the auricularis muscles
Insertion
Lateral border of the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica)
Action
Tightens the scalp and draws back the skin of the temples; assists in raising the ear
Nerve
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Temporoparietalis is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Temporal fascia, above the auricularis muscles
Insertion
Lateral border of the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica)
Action & function
When the Temporoparietalis contracts, it produces the following movements: Tightens the scalp and draws back the skin of the temples; assists in raising the ear.
As part of the Ear group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Temporoparietalis receives its nerve supply from the Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Temporal branch of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Temporoparietalis, impairing the movements it normally produces (tightens the scalp and draws back the skin of the temples). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Temporoparietalis (the OIANS method)
Place the temporoparietalis within the wider occipitofrontalis system: it is the lateral part of the scalp musculature that bridges the temporal fascia to the galea aponeurotica, so its main effect is to tense the scalp and pull the temple skin backward. Thinking of it as the sheet that continues the aponeurosis out toward the ear helps make sense of its otherwise subtle action.
Because it is a variant and often thin, do not over-invest in it, but do remember that it, like all scalp and auricular muscles, is driven by the temporal branch of the facial nerve. Grouping it with the auricularis muscles it lies above, all sharing that nerve, is an efficient way to keep the whole cluster together and to recall its minor role in raising the ear.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Temporoparietalis located?
The Temporoparietalis is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Temporoparietalis?
Temporal fascia, above the auricularis muscles
What is the insertion of the Temporoparietalis?
Lateral border of the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica)
What movements does the Temporoparietalis produce?
Tightens the scalp and draws back the skin of the temples; assists in raising the ear
What nerve supplies the Temporoparietalis?
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Temporoparietalis free to study in OIANS?
The Temporoparietalis is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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