Zygomatic bone

Introduction

The zygomatic bone (cheekbone, cheekbone, lat. Os zygomaticum) is a pair of bones of the facial skull. It is located at the lateral edge of the eye sockets and plays a major role in the lateral facial contour.

Topography

The zygomatic bone lies in front of the temporal bone (Os temporale) and below the frontal bone (Os frontale) and the sphenoid bone (Os sphenoidale). It lies above the upper jaw bone (maxilla) and forms the largest part of the lateral wall of the bony eye socket (orbit). The zygomatic bone conducts the main chewing pressure, which originates from the large molars, and forms the wall of the orbita and nasal cavity.

It also articulates with the adjacent bony structures and is the origin of some facial muscles. The zygomatic bone has three surfaces: The Facies lateralis has a convex shape and contains a bone opening in its center, which is called Foramen zygomaticofaciale. The large and small zygomatic muscles (Os zygomaticus major and minor) originate from this surface.

Through the soft tissues of the face, this side can be palpated as “cheekbones”. The side facing the temporal bone (Facies temporalis) shows a concave inner surface. It slopes backwards (dorsal) and towards the center (medial).

In its upper part it forms a small pit, the temporal fossa in the lower part the infratemporal fossa. In the anterior area of this area there is a rough, almost triangular bone area which is connected to the upper jaw bone (maxilla). There is also a small hole within this area, the zygomaticotemporal foramen.

The side facing the orbit (Facies orbitalis) is smooth and, together with the upper jaw bone and the sphenoid bone, forms part of the wall and floor of the bony orbit. The small zygomaticoorbital foramen lies approximately in the middle. Towards the top, the zygomatic bone has a small bony extension, the frontal process.

This articulates with the zygomatic process of the frontal bone (Os frontale). Another bony extension is the maxillary process. It has a plump, triangular cross-section and articulates with the zygomatic process of the maxilla.

The origin of the levator labii superioris muscle lies at its anterior edge. The temporal process points to the rear, which in turn is connected to the zygomatic process of the temporal bone (Os temporalis). These two bony parts together form the zygomatic arch (Arcus zygomaticus), at the lower edge of which lies the origin of the large masticatory muscle (Musculus masseter).

  • One lateral (Facies lateralis),
  • One lying to the orbit (Facies orbitalis) and
  • An area adjacent to the temporal bone (temporal facies).

The zygomatic bone can break and cause severe pain due to strong violent impacts. This is a typical injury in boxers after blows to the face. The therapy is either conservative or surgical with the help of a plate.