The Posterior Temporal Branch ramifies on the side of the head, and anastomoses with the artery of the opposite side, and with the occipital and posterior auris arteries.

The temporal artery is not subject to much variety: it may, however, arise nearer the angle of the inferior maxillary bone than we have above described, in which case it usually gives off the transversalis faciei. This vessel should never be opened near the zygoma, as unmanageable hemorrhage or inflammation and abscesses may be the consequence. Mr. Harrison mentions a case in which this practice was followed by a varicose aneurism. The anterior branch should be selected for arteriotomy; and should a small aneurism be the result, as occasionally happens, it maybe cured by compression, or by making an incision through the tumor, turning out the coagulum, and dressing it from the bottom. Mr. Liston advises to divide the artery at each side of the tumor, and tie the bleeding extremities.