BoneIrregular bone
Zygomatic bone
Latin: Os zygomaticum sinistrum
Location: Skull — cheek
Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.
View the zygomatic bone in 3DFunction
Forms the prominence of the cheek and the lateral-orbital rim, protecting the eye and completing the zygomatic arch for the masseter's powerful pull.
Landmarks
- Temporal process
- Frontal process
- Zygomaticofacial foramen
- Orbital surface
Articulations (joints)
- Maxilla
- Frontal bone
- Temporal bone (zygomatic arch)
- Sphenoid bone (greater wing)
Clinical relevance
Isolated 'tripod' fractures of the zygoma flatten the cheek, cause diplopia and numbness of the cheek skin; they are common in assault and sporting injuries.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.