Zygomatic bone: anatomy of the cheekbone
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Location
- Side of the midface, between the maxilla, the frontal bone, the temporal bone and the greater wing of the sphenoid.
- Processes
- Frontal (rises to the frontal bone), temporal (forms the front of the zygomatic arch) and maxillary (joins the maxilla).
- Foramina
- Zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal, through which sensory branches of the zygomatic nerve pass.
- Attachments
- Zygomaticus major and minor on the lateral surface; masseter on the lower border.
- Relevance in HOF
- Gives the cheekbone its projection and the midface its structural support.
- In Harmy
- The cheekbone corresponds to the Cheekbone point.
The zygomatic bone is the paired bone that forms the cheekbone. It sits on the side of the midface, between the maxilla, the frontal bone and the temporal bone, and takes part in three structures: the prominence of the cheek, the lateral wall and part of the floor of the orbit, and the anterior half of the zygomatic arch. In orofacial harmonization (HOF), it is the skeleton on which midface projection is planned.
How is the zygomatic bone formed?
The bone is roughly quadrangular, with three surfaces and three main processes:
| Part | Where it is | What it joins |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral surface | Surface of the cheekbone | Receives the origin of the zygomaticus muscles |
| Orbital surface | Inside the orbit | Forms part of the lateral wall and floor |
| Temporal surface | Facing backward and inward | Forms the anterior wall of the temporal fossa |
| Frontal process | Rises along the lateral edge of the orbit | Frontal bone (frontozygomatic suture) |
| Temporal process | Runs backward | Temporal bone, forming the zygomatic arch |
| Maxillary process | Runs downward and inward | Maxilla (zygomaticomaxillary suture) |
The zygomaticofacial foramen is on the lateral surface; the zygomaticotemporal foramen is on the temporal surface. Sensory branches of the zygomatic nerve, from the maxillary nerve (V2), exit through them and supply the skin of the cheekbone and the anterior temple. The masseter arises from the lower border of the bone and the arch.
Why does the zygomatic bone matter in HOF?
The malar eminence, the most prominent part of the bone, is the landmark of the cheekbone. Its position in relation to the eye, the nose and the jaw influences how youthful and structured the midface looks.
With aging, the facial skeleton also changes: the opening of the orbit tends to widen, especially in its inferolateral portion, and the maxilla loses projection. Soft tissues lose their bony support, the fat pads descend and grooves appear at the transition between the eyelid and the cheek. That is why the logic of midface support usually starts with support over the bone, in cheekbone filler and in the zygomatic area.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Frontal and three-quarter view: shows the position and projection of the malar eminence.
- Worm's-eye view (from below): helps compare the projection of the two sides.
- Palpation: locates the edge of the orbit, the eminence and the transition to the arch.
- Proportion: compare the width of the midface with that of the lower third before proposing a gain in projection.
- History: old facial fractures and orbital surgery change the anatomy and must be recorded.
For planning the area, see the cheekbone and zygomatic areas.
Also known as: zygoma, malar bone, cheekbone.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the zygomatic bone?
On the side of the midface, forming the cheekbone. It joins the maxilla, the frontal bone, the temporal bone and the sphenoid, and forms part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit.
What is the difference between the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic area?
The zygomatic bone is the bony structure. The zygomatic area is the region of the face over the zygomatic arch, used as a treatment area in orofacial harmonization (HOF).