The temple (from the popular Latin tempula, derived from the classical Latin tempora, meaning the temples) is a region located on either side of the face between the ear, eye, forehead and the top of the cheek.

Position. The temple is an even region, attached to part of the temporal region, located at the level of the temporal fossa. This pit is located between (1):

• the temporal lines forming a crescent above and behind;
• the zygomatic arch located below;
• the frontal bone and the zygomatic bone located anteriorly.

Bone structure. The bony part of the temple is one of the thinnest in the skull. The bottom of the temporal fossa is formed by the union of four bones, the H-shaped junction of which is called the pterion. These bones are the frontal bone, parietal bone, temporal bone as well as the large wing of the sphenoid bone (1).

Muscle structure. The temporal fossa is lined by a fan-shaped muscle, the temporalis muscle, itself covered with its fascia, a fibro-elastic membrane. This membrane is inserted at the level of the temporal lines, the zygomatic arch, as well as the level of the lateral border of the zygomatic bone (2). The temporalis muscle extends under the zygomatic arch to insert itself at the level of the mandible.

Innervation and vascularization. The temporalis muscle is innervated by various nerves originating from the trigeminal nerve. It is supplied by several arteries originating from the external carotid artery.

The temporal muscle allows movements of the mandible, including that of elevation or propulsion.

Headache (headache). A frequent symptom in adults and children, it manifests as pain in the forehead. There are many causes of a headache. A doctor can be consulted in case of sharp and sudden pain.

Migraine. A particular form of headache, it often begins with very localized pain and manifests itself in seizures.

Facial neuralgia. Also called trigeminal neuralgia, it corresponds to the irritation of the trigeminal nerve, from which the frontal nerve originates. It manifests as sharp pain on one side of the face (4).

Head trauma. It corresponds to a shock to the skull which can cause fractures, as well as brain damage. These lesions can be concussions, that is, reversible lesions or bruises, irreversible lesions (5).

Medical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain medications may be prescribed such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories or antibiotics.

Surgical treatment. As a last resort, surgery may be performed in the event of trigeminal neuralgia.

Physical examination. The causes of forehead pain can be diagnosed by simple clinical examination.

Imaging exams. In some cases, additional examinations may be performed such as cerebral CT scan or cerebral MRI.

Thomas Willis is an English doctor considered one of the pioneers of neurology. He was one of the first to present a concrete description of the brain, notably through his treatise cerebral anatome. (6)