What is the zygomatic bone?
The zygomatic bone is a nearly square, paired bone of the facial skull. It owes its name to the fact that, like a yoke, it is the connection between the facial skull and the lateral skull wall. The zygomatic bone is the bony basis of the cheek and determines to a large extent the appearance of the face.
The zygomatic arch
The zygomatic arch (arcus zygomaticus) is formed on each side of the face by a process of the temporal bone (processus zygomaticus) and the zygomatic bone (processus temporalis). It extends horizontally from the lower edge of the orbit toward the ear.
What is the function of the zygomatic bone?
The zygomatic bone has a strong process, the maxillary process (Processus maxillaris), which absorbs the pressure generated by chewing in the upper jaw and transmits it to the frontal bone via another process in the middle of the face (Processus frontalis). Via a lateral process (processus temporalis), the chewing pressure is also transmitted via the zygomatic arch to the temporal bone.
Where is the zygomatic bone located?
What problems can the zygomatic bone cause?
A zygomatic arch fracture is caused by direct force on the zygomatic arch, such as a punch to the face. Under certain circumstances, the masseter muscle can get caught in the bone gap and become trapped. This impedes the opening or closing of the mouth (“lockjaw”).
Bone inflammation of the zygomatic arch is called (zygomatizitis). It often develops as a result of inflammation of the mastoid (mastoid process of the temporal bone) or otitis media and is accompanied by swelling, among other symptoms.
Swelling over the zygomatic bone also occurs as a result of trigeminal neuralgia.
