Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-rdxmf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T00:49:35.286Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Anatomy of the temporalis fascia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

P. J. Wormald  and
T. Alun-Jones
P. J. Wormald*
Affiliation:
Cape Town, South Africa
T. Alun-Jones
Affiliation:
Cape Town, South Africa
*
Dr P. J. Wormald, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The anatomy of the different layers of the temporalis fascia is reviewed. The superficial and deep layers of the temporalis fascia have been studied by light microscopy to assess any histological difference between the two. We have also assessed the physical characteristics of the different layers by measuring their Young's modulus in the wet and dry states.

Anatomically the superficial layer is part of the epicranial aponeurosis and thus covers nearly the entire lateral aspect of the skull. The deep temporal fascial layer covers exactly the temporalis muscle and measures 10 × 12 cm. The fascial layers have a separate arterial and venous supply enabling them to be used as a homograft, a rotation flap or free microvascular flap. Histologically there is no difference between the two layers. A study of the physical characteristics of the two fascial layers using Young's modulus revealed no significant difference in elasticity between the two. The most significant factor affecting the elasticity was the state of hydration of the fascia.

Keywords

Temporalis fasciaMyringoplasty
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 105 , Issue 7 , July 1991 , pp. 522 - 524
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1991

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Abul-Hassan, H. S., Von Draek Ascher, G., Ackland, R. D. (1986) Surgical anatomy and blood supply of the fascial layers of the temporal region. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 77: 17–24.Google ScholarPubMed
Antonyshyn, O., Colcleugh, R., Hurst, L., Anderson, C. (1986) The temporalis myo-osseous flap: an experimental study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 77: 406–413.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Brent, B., Upton, J., Acland, R., Shaw, W., Finseth, F., Rogers, C., Pearl, R., Hentz, V. (1985) Experience with the temporoparietal fascial free flap. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 76: 177–187.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hing, D. N., Buncke, H. J., Alpert, B. S. (1988) Use of the temporoparietal free fascial flap in the upper extremity. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 81: 534–543.Google ScholarPubMed
McCarthy, J. (1986) Discussion—The temporalis myo-osseous flap: an experimental study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 77: 414–415.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ortegren, U. (1959) Tympanic membrane grafts of full thickness skin, fascia and cartilage in its perichondrium. Ada Otolaryngology, Supplement 244.Google Scholar
Smyth, G. D. L. (1976) Tympanic reconstruction—a 15-year report on tympanoplasty. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 85: 1167–1171.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Upton, J. (1986) Discussion: Surgical anatomy and blood supply of the fascial layers of the temporal region. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 11: 25–28.Google Scholar
Walby, A. P., Kerr, A. G., Nevin, N. C., Woods, G. (1982) Tissue culture of surgically prepared temporalis fascia. Clinical Otolaryngology, 7: 313–317.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed