Zygomatic fossa

Zygomatic Fossa

The Zygomatic Fossa is a complex anatomical structure located in the human skull. It is named after the Zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone, which forms its anterior boundary. The Zygomatic Fossa is part of the temporal bone and is situated on the side of the skull, beneath the eye socket.

Anatomy

The Zygomatic Fossa is a deep, irregularly shaped depression in the temporal bone. It is bounded anteriorly by the zygomatic bone, posteriorly by the temporal bone, superiorly by the sphenoid bone, and inferiorly by the maxilla. The fossa is filled with several important structures, including the temporalis muscle, the zygomaticotemporal nerve, and the zygomaticofacial nerve.

Function

The primary function of the Zygomatic Fossa is to house the temporalis muscle, one of the muscles involved in mastication (chewing). This muscle attaches to the coronoid process of the mandible and acts to elevate and retract the mandible, allowing for the closing of the jaw and backward movement of the lower jaw.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the structures it contains, the Zygomatic Fossa can be involved in several clinical conditions. These include Zygomatic complex fracture, a common type of facial fracture, and temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition that can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

See Also

• Zygomatic bone
• Temporal bone
• Sphenoid bone
• Maxilla
• Temporalis muscle
• Zygomaticotemporal nerve
• Zygomaticofacial nerve
• Mastication
• Coronoid process
• Mandible
• Zygomatic complex fracture
• Temporomandibular joint disorder