Views of the Infratemporal Fossa, Middle Fossa, and Mandibular Area. A, Superior view after removing the bone of middle fossa. The posterior deep temporal nerve runs on the superior surface of the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle. The masseter nerve is the most posterior branch among the anterior division of the mandibular nerve. B, The squamous portion of the temporal bone has removed to expose deep surface of the temporal muscle. The anterior deep temporal nerve passes between the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. The deep temporal nerves enter the deep surface of the anterior portion of the temporal muscle. C, Enlarged view of the right infratemporal fossa. The middle meningeal artery passes between the two roots of the auriculotemporal nerve. The auriculotemporal nerve runs medial to lateral behind the neck of the mandible. D, Lateral view of the right mandibular neck area. The parotid gland has removed to expose the auriculotemporal and facial nerves. The auriculotemporal nerve gives off the parotid branches and ascends in the parotid gland between the temporomandibular joint and external acoustic meatus. It communicates with facial nerve at the posterior border of the mandibular ramus. E, Lateral view of the right preauricular area. The auriculotemporal nerve ascends posterior to the superficial temporal artery over the posterior root of zygoma. The frontal branches of the facial nerve pass over the zygomatic arch. (Images courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)