Cheek

Cheek

Sobo 1909 260 - Zygomaticus major muscle

Chipmunk with Full Cheeks

Cheek refers to the area of the face below the eyes and between the nose and the ear. It is a significant part of the facial structure, playing a crucial role in facial expressions, speech, and eating. The cheeks are covered externally by skin and internally by the mucous membrane of the mouth. The main muscle in the cheek is the buccinator muscle, which helps in chewing and is involved in the expression of blowing.

Anatomy

The cheek's anatomy is complex, consisting of layers that include skin, fat, muscles, and various glands. The most prominent muscle, the buccinator muscle, lies beneath the skin and is responsible for holding food between the teeth during chewing and assisting in the manipulation of food within the mouth. Other muscles in the cheek area include the zygomaticus major and zygomaticus minor, which are involved in facial expressions such as smiling.

The cheeks also contain the parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands, which plays a crucial role in the digestive process by secreting saliva into the mouth. The facial nerve (CN VII) traverses the cheek, controlling the muscles used for facial expressions.

Function

The cheeks play several vital roles in the human body, including:

• Facial Expression: The cheeks are essential for many facial expressions, including smiling, frowning, and blowing. These expressions are crucial for non-verbal communication.
• Eating and Chewing: The buccinator muscle and other cheek muscles are essential for keeping food between the teeth for efficient chewing and for moving food towards the throat for swallowing.
• Speech: The movement of the cheeks contributes to the formation of words and sounds during speech, affecting the clarity and quality of spoken language.

Clinical Significance

The cheeks can be involved in various medical conditions, including infections, inflammation, and tumors. Conditions such as mumps can cause swelling of the parotid gland, leading to noticeable enlargement of the cheeks. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery often involves the cheeks, with procedures such as cheek augmentation and reduction being performed to alter facial contours for aesthetic or medical reasons.

Cultural Aspects

In many cultures, the cheeks are seen as a beauty symbol, with different societies having varying standards for what constitutes attractive cheeks. Cheek kissing is a common greeting in many parts of the world, signifying friendship, respect, or affection.

See Also

• Facial anatomy
• Facial expression
• Mastication
• Salivary gland