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3D OSTEOLOGY
3D VISCEROCRANIUM

ZYGOMATIC BONE ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Zygomatic bone anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing cheekbone structure, diamond-shaped configuration, lateral surface, frontal process, temporal process, and orbital contributions
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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Paired facial bone with diamond-shaped configuration
  • Commonly referred to as the cheekbone
  • Creates the prominent contour of the cheek region
  • Contributes to:
    • Lateral orbital wall
    • Orbital floor
  • Provides stable support to facial framework
  • Facilitates facial expression movements
  • Offers protection to ocular structures

Articulations

Zygomatic bone articulations 360-degree viewer showing connections with frontal bone, sphenoid bone, maxilla, and temporal bone in disarticulated view
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Zygomatic Bone - Articulations, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Frontal bone
  • Sphenoid bone
  • Maxilla
  • Temporal bone

LATERAL SURFACE

Zygomatic bone lateral surface 360-degree viewer showing convex external aspect, zygomaticofacial foramen, and cheek contour
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Zygomatic Bone - Lateral Surface, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Convex and smooth external aspect
  • Constitutes the outer surface of the cheek

Zygomaticofacial Foramen

  • Small aperture on lateral surface
  • Transmits:
    • Zygomaticofacial nerve
    • Accompanying blood vessels
  • Supplies facial structures

FRONTAL PROCESS

  • Thin elongated bony projection
  • Extends in a superior direction
  • Articulates with frontal bone superiorly
  • Contributes to formation of lateral orbital wall
  • Provides attachment sites for facial musculature

Orbital Tubercle

  • Bony elevation on frontal process
  • Serves as attachment for lateral palpebral ligament
  • Provides insertion for orbicularis oculi muscle
  • Plays functional role in eyelid movement

TEMPORAL PROCESS

  • Projects in a posterior direction
  • Unites with zygomatic process of temporal bone
  • Together forms the zygomatic arch
  • Significant for attachment of masticatory muscles

TEMPORAL SURFACE

Zygomatic bone temporal surface 360-degree viewer showing concave inner aspect, zygomaticotemporal foramen, marginal tubercle, and temporal fossa contribution
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Zygomatic Bone - Temporal Surface, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Inner aspect oriented toward temporal bone
  • Concave in configuration
  • Contributes to:
    • Temporal fossa formation
    • Infratemporal fossa formation

Zygomaticotemporal Foramen

  • Opening on temporal surface
  • Transmits zygomaticotemporal nerve
  • Provides sensory supply to temple skin

Marginal Tubercle

  • Raised prominence
  • Located on posterior border of frontal process
  • Increases surface area for muscle attachment
  • Assists in articulation with neighboring bones

ORBITAL SURFACE

Zygomatic bone orbital surface 360-degree viewer showing lateral orbital wall contribution, orbital floor, zygomatico-orbital foramen, and smooth bony surface
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Zygomatic Bone - Orbital Surface, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Forms substantial portion of lateral orbital wall
  • Contributes to orbital floor
  • Provides protective covering for the eye
  • Smooth bony surface

Zygomatico-orbital Foramen

  • Aperture on orbital surface
  • Permits passage of zygomatic nerve branches
  • Opens into orbital cavity

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: ZYGOMATIC BONE

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: What is the zygomatic bone?

Answer: A paired facial bone forming the cheek prominence. The zygomatic bone is a paired facial bone that forms the prominent contour of the cheek. It also contributes to the lateral orbital wall and floor, and forms part of the zygomatic arch.

Q: Where is the zygomatic bone located?

Answer: On the lateral aspect of the face, forming the cheek. The zygomatic bone is located on the lateral aspect of the face, forming the prominence of the cheek. It is positioned below and lateral to the orbit, connecting the maxilla to the temporal bone.

Q: What is the function of the zygomatic bone?

Answer: To form the cheek, protect the eye, and provide muscle attachment. The zygomatic bone has multiple functions: it creates the cheek prominence, forms part of the lateral orbital wall and floor protecting the eye, and provides attachment for muscles of mastication (chewing) via the zygomatic arch.

Q: How many zygomatic bones are there in the skull?

Answer: Two (paired). There are two zygomatic bones in the skull - one on each side of the face. They are paired bones that create symmetrical cheek prominences on both sides.

Q: Is the zygomatic bone a cranial or facial bone?

Answer: Facial bone (viscerocranium). The zygomatic bone is classified as a facial bone (viscerocranium). It is one of the 14 facial bones and contributes to the structure of the face rather than the cranial vault that protects the brain.

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⋮⋮ Zygomatic Bone Quiz
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