Topographic Anatomy of the Zygomatico-Orbital Artery.

ABSTRACT The zygomatico-orbital artery (ZOA) originating from the superficial temporal artery and supplying the lower temporal region superficially has been reported. Previous studies of this artery have used definitions that are too ambiguous for the results to be directly adapted to clinical practice, including since they have resulted in marked variations in the reported incidence of the artery. This study dissected 193 hemifaces of 123 fixed human cadavers aged 36 to 102 years (119 males and 74 females). The authors investigated the ZOA based on the following definition: (1) it originates from the superficial temporal artery, (2) it runs mostly above the zygomatic arch, and (3) it terminates below the superior border of the orbicularis oculi muscle. The incidence of the ZOA was 22.8% (44 cases of 193 sides), and its mean diameter was 1.1 mm. The mean vertical distances from the superior border of the zygomatic arch to the artery were 29.6, 17.8, and 2.9 mm at the jugale, zygion, and the origin of the ZOA, respectively. An accurate definition of the ZOA and accurate knowledge of its incidence and course could be important for clinicians to avoid unintentional complications in clinical practice.