Cheekbone

Cheekbone

The cheekbone, also known as the zygomatic bone, is a prominent facial bone that forms the prominence of the cheek. It is a paired bone, meaning there is one on each side of the face. The cheekbone is an important structure in the human skull and plays a crucial role in the aesthetics and function of the face.

Anatomy

The zygomatic bone is a quadrilateral-shaped bone that articulates with several other bones of the skull. It is located at the upper and lateral part of the face and contributes to the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the temporal fossa.

Articulations

The zygomatic bone articulates with four bones:

• The maxilla
• The temporal bone
• The sphenoid bone
• The frontal bone

These articulations help form the zygomatic arch, which is a bony arch on the side of the skull that is important for the attachment of the masseter muscle, a muscle involved in chewing.

Function

The cheekbone serves several functions:

• Structural Support: It provides structural support to the face and helps maintain the shape of the orbit.
• Protection: It protects the contents of the orbit, including the eye and associated structures.
• Muscle Attachment: It serves as an attachment point for facial muscles, including those involved in facial expression and mastication.

Clinical Significance

Fractures of the zygomatic bone are common in facial trauma and can affect the function and appearance of the face. Such fractures may require surgical intervention to restore normal anatomy and function.

Also see

• Zygomatic arch
• Maxilla
• Facial skeleton
• Orbit (anatomy)
• Masseter muscle