Most people are unaware that the zygomatic bone is of central importance to them. Together with the zygomatic process, it forms the cheek profile, and thus contributes significantly to everyone’s appearance. Nevertheless, almost everyone knows it only in connection with the painful fracture of this bone.
What is the zygomatic bone?
The correct Latin name for the zygomatic bone is Os zygomaticum or Os jugale, in German it is also still called cheekbone and cheekbone. It is a part of the facial skull and is present twice as a paired bone. The eye socket (orbita) is laterally limited by it. The zygomatic bone lies below it and forms the upper part of the cheek. Since it has a massive influence on the appearance, it is often treated by cosmetic surgery. Implants are often used to achieve the desired result. Vertically, the Os zygomaticum lies between the frontal bone (Os frontale) and the maxillary bone (Maxilla), horizontally in front of the temporal bone (Os temporale). A connection with these neighboring structures is present via processes. The zygomatic bone is present in humans as well as in mammals. In birds, however, it is fused with the Os quadrato jugale. This connection forms a kind of rod by whose thrust the upper jaw can be moved upward.
Anatomy and structure
The cheekbone consists of two plates: the orbital plate (lamina orbitalis) and the buccal plate (lamina malaris). They form the body of the bone and provide space for three surfaces.
- The orbital surface (facies orbitalis) is smooth and forms part of the wall and floor of the orbit. In its center is a bony opening through which nerves pass into the zygomatic bone.
- The cheek surface (facies malaris or facies lateralis) has an opening through which nerves and vessels enter. Furthermore, the large and small zygomatic muscles begin on it. It is the part that can be felt through the cheek.
- The temporal surface (facies temporalis) is the inner surface of the os zygomaticum.
In addition, there are three processes: The frontal sphenoid process (Processus frontalis) forms the lateral edge of the orbit, the temporal process (Processus temporalis), together with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, composes the zygomatic arch (Argus zygomaticus). The maxillary process (Processus maxillaris) forms the lower boundary of the orbit. At it begins the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle, which moves the nasal wing and upper lip. At the lower border of the zygomatic arch begins the large masseter muscle (Musculus masseter).
Tasks and function
As mentioned earlier, the os jugale is of great importance for the appearance of the cheek and lateral inferior temporal regions. It is also important for the statics of the skull, as it is connected to the adjacent structures, and forms an essential part of the orbit. Thus, the entire head is more stable and the eye is protected. For food intake, the Os zygomaticum is also relevant. When biting, a sometimes strong chewing pressure is generated by the molars, which is absorbed and dissipated by this bone. Some facial muscles originate on it. Likewise, with its bone openings, it offers nerves and vessels the possibility of passage. The zygomatic bone plays a special role in facial diagnosis. It forms the widest axis in the face and is said to correlate with individual resistance. In osteopathy, on the other hand, it is believed that the lower part of the orbita is related to the lesser pelvis, and the os jugale itself is related to the greater pelvis.
Complaints and diseases
Because of its location, the zygomatic bone is prone to injury. The most common cause is blunt force trauma, as can often occur during sports, triggered by blows or collisions. Fractures do not always have to occur, bruises can also be the result. In this case, severe pain and bruising occur. The affected area should be cooled sufficiently as soon as possible. This type of injury heals after a good week without consequences. In the case of fractures, treatment depends on whether or not bone displacement has occurred. If none occurred, conservative treatment is usually sufficient. However, muscle traction acting on the injured parts will always cause the fractures to shift.Thus, flattening or elevation may occur, and adjacent structures may also be affected, such as the orbit, possibly impeding vision. Bleeding may occur in the nasal and pharyngeal cavities. In these cases, surgery is required to reattach the bones. Depending on the severity of the injury, local anesthesia or anesthesia is used. Cooling the wounded area also promotes healing in this case. It is not uncommon for bumps or blows to cause nerve injuries that result in sensory disturbances such as numbness or even paralysis. In most cases, however, fractures heal well, sometimes a small, barely noticeable flattening remains, and only very rarely do infections occur after the operation. However, if swelling of the os jugale occurs without prior force, it is often the consequence of nerve pain and inflammation. It is often trigeminal neuralgia, a very painful irritation of the fifth cranial nerve. However, the flu or a cold can also cause swelling in this area. Excessive secretion and congestion in the sinuses leads to increased pressure and the visible consequences. In any case, a visit to the doctor is strongly recommended in order to clarify the cause precisely by differential diagnosis, and thus to initiate the correct treatment.
