The cheek is the fleshy part of your face below your eye and between your ear and nose. It's the area encompassing the region below the eyes but above the jawline, spanning between the nose and the ears.
Anatomy of the Cheek
The cheek isn't just a single structure; it's a complex composition of:
- Muscles: These allow for chewing, talking, and facial expressions.
- Fat pads: These contribute to the fullness and shape of the cheeks.
- Glands: These play a role in saliva production and other functions.
- Tissues: Various tissues provide structure and support.
The inside of the cheek, between the teeth and gums, is specifically called the vestibule or buccal pouch. The area is innervated by the buccal nerve. The cheekbones, or zygomatic bones, lie beneath the skin of the cheek, contributing to its structure. Sometimes, the term "cheek" can be used less precisely, and might refer to the area including the cheekbones.
Common Misconceptions
It's important to note that while the term "cheek" is commonly understood, its precise anatomical boundaries can be fluid in everyday language. For example, some might refer to the area around the cheekbones as the cheek, although technically, the cheekbones are a separate bony structure underlying the cheek.
