Where is the superficial temporal artery palpated?

• A. just anterior to the tragus
• B. over the mastoid process
• C. slightly above the ear
• D. at the angle of the jaw

Answer: (A)

Palpation of the superficial temporal artery is best done in the temple region where the artery runs just in front of the ear. This artery is a superficial branch of the external carotid that travels upward over the zygomatic arch and lies just beneath the skin near the temporal region, so the pulse is most reliably felt just anterior to the tragus. The mastoid area behind the ear is too far back from its course, the spot slightly above the ear is close but not as precise as directly in front of the tragus, and the angle of the jaw corresponds to other vessels rather than the superficial temporal artery.