The superficial temporal artery is a major blood vessel that branches from the external carotid artery. It supplies blood to the scalp, face, and parts of the ear. This artery is located just in front of the ear and can be felt pulsating in the temple area. In addition to its primary function, the superficial temporal artery has several branches, including the frontal and parietal branches, which further supply blood to specific regions of the scalp. It plays a crucial role in maintaining blood flow to the outer layers of the head and is important in various medical assessments.