CorpusHuman Anatomy
SkeletalBone

Zygomatic bone

Os zygomaticum

Also known as: cheekbone, malar bone

The paired cheekbone forming the prominence of the cheek, the lateral wall and floor of the orbit and the anterior part of the zygomatic arch.

Show on body map Skull — Lateral View

Overview

The zygomatic bone is roughly quadrilateral with three processes: the frontal process ascends to the zygomatic process of the frontal bone (frontozygomatic suture) and forms the lateral orbital margin; the temporal process passes back to join the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, completing the zygomatic arch; and the maxillary process articulates with the maxilla. Its orbital surface forms the anterior lateral wall and part of the floor of the orbit.

Small foramina transmit branches of the zygomatic nerve (V2): the zygomaticofacial nerve on the facial surface and the zygomaticotemporal nerve on the temporal surface. The masseter arises from the lower border of the arch and the zygomaticus major and minor from the facial surface; the temporal fascia attaches to the upper border of the arch and the frontal process.

Location

Prominence of the cheek, inferolateral to the orbit.

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Frontal process
    Forms the lateral orbital rim; frontozygomatic suture palpable.
  2. Temporal process
    Anterior part of the zygomatic arch.
  3. Maxillary process
    Joins the maxilla below the orbit.
  4. Orbital surface
    Lateral wall and floor of the orbit.
  5. Zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal foramina
    Cutaneous branches of the zygomatic nerve (V2).

Anatomy

Articulations

Frontal, sphenoid (greater wing), temporal and maxilla.

Ossification

Intramembranous, usually one centre ≈week 8.

Function

  • Forms the prominence of the cheek
  • Protects the orbit laterally
  • Origin of masseter and zygomaticus muscles
  • Transmits masticatory forces to the skull (zygomatic buttress)

Clinical significance

Zygomaticomaxillary complex ("tripod") fracture

Separation at the frontozygomatic suture, zygomatic arch and maxilla (orbital floor/zygomaticomaxillary buttress): flattened cheek, infraorbital numbness, diplopia and trismus if the arch impinges on the coronoid process.

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Skeletal System sources. For education only; not medical advice.