Which landmark is used to palpate the superficial temporal artery?

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

Answer: (B)

The pulse of the superficial temporal artery is best felt in the temple area where the artery runs just in front of the ear. To palpate it reliably, place your fingers just anterior to the tragus, where the artery lies superficial to the temporalis muscle as it crosses the zygomatic arch. This point is the most consistent landmark because it sits directly along the artery’s course.

Palpating over the mastoid process is behind the ear and away from the artery’s path, so it wouldn’t reliably reveal the pulse. The area slightly above the ear and near the jaw line is not as precise to locate the artery, which is why the front-of-tragus location is preferred.