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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Patellar Tendon
    Tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.

    Zygomatic Bones

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.

    1. Overview

    The zygomatic bones are paired facial bones that form the prominent part of the cheeks and contribute to the lateral wall and floor of the orbit. Often referred to as the “cheekbones,” they are key structural components of the midface and play a critical role in facial aesthetics, articulation with surrounding bones, and protection of orbital contents.

    2. Location

    The zygomatic bones are located on the lateral aspect of the midface:

    • Lateral to: The maxilla and nasal bones.

    • Inferior to: The frontal bone and lateral margin of the orbit.

    • Anterior to: The temporal bone, with which it forms the zygomatic arch.

    Each zygomatic bone articulates with four bones: the frontal, maxilla, sphenoid, and temporal bones.

    3. Structure

    Each zygomatic bone has a robust and quadrangular shape, with several important features:

    • Orbital surface: Forms part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit.

    • Temporal surface: Faces posteriorly to form part of the zygomatic arch.

    • Maxillary surface: Articulates with the maxilla, contributing to the infraorbital rim.

    • Zygomatic arch: Formed by the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and temporal process of the zygomatic bone; serves as a bridge between face and skull.

    • Zygomaticofacial foramen: Allows passage of the zygomaticofacial nerve and vessels to the skin of the cheek.

    4. Function

    The zygomatic bones serve several structural and functional roles:

    • Facial contour: Provide the prominence of the cheeks and define facial width and aesthetics.

    • Orbital protection: Form part of the orbit and help shield the eye from lateral impact.

    • Muscle attachment: Serve as attachment sites for facial expression muscles (e.g., zygomaticus major and minor).

    • Bridge to cranium: Link facial bones with the neurocranium via the zygomatic arch.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Though the zygomatic bones are not directly involved in metabolic functions, they contribute indirectly to important physiological roles:

    • Facial muscle coordination: Facilitate facial expressions such as smiling and speaking.

    • Mechanical load transfer: Distribute masticatory forces from the maxilla to the cranial base through the zygomatic arch.

    • Support of orbital structures: Maintain orbital geometry essential for proper ocular alignment and vision.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Zygomatic bones are frequently involved in facial trauma and reconstructive surgery:

    • Zygomatic fractures:

      • Often result from blunt trauma (e.g., sports injuries, vehicle accidents).

      • May cause flattening of the cheek, trismus (jaw movement limitation), diplopia (double vision), or infraorbital nerve injury.

    • Tripod fracture:

      • A common type of zygomatic complex fracture involving three points: zygomatic arch, orbital floor, and maxillary articulation.

      • Often requires surgical realignment and fixation.

    • Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture:

      • Involves the zygomatic bone and its articulations; affects aesthetics and function.

    • Cosmetic and reconstructive relevance:

      • Important in procedures involving midfacial augmentation or repair after trauma or congenital deformity.

    • Infections and tumors:

      • Though rare, the zygomatic bone may be affected by osteomyelitis, fibrous dysplasia, or metastatic lesions.

    Did you know? Bone marrow is the site where red blood cells are made.