The malar bone, also known as the cheekbone, zygomatic bone, or os zygomaticum, is a prominent bone forming the structure of the cheek. It's a paired bone, meaning you have one on each side of your face.
Location and Function
Located at the upper and lateral part of the face, the malar bone contributes significantly to the facial structure. Its position is crucial; it forms part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit (eye socket).
- Orbital Floor: It contributes to the lower boundary of the eye socket.
- Lateral Cheek: It makes up a substantial portion of the prominent cheek structure.
- Zygomatic Arch: It articulates (joins) with the temporal bone to form the zygomatic arch, the bony arch we can feel beneath our fingers just in front of our ears.
The malar bone serves as an important attachment point for several facial muscles, playing a key role in facial expressions. It also provides crucial structural support for the face. Furthermore, its strong structure allows it to serve as an anchorage point for zygomatic implants, helping in reconstructive surgeries. [source needed here for surgical info, potentially citing one of the provided Pubmed links]
Alternative Names and Synonyms
The malar bone is referred to by several synonymous terms:
- Cheekbone: This is the most commonly used and easily understood term.
- Zygomatic bone: This is the official anatomical term.
- Jugal bone: A less frequently used, but still valid, synonym.
- Os zygomaticum: The Latin term for the zygomatic bone.
Multiple sources confirm the malar bone and zygomatic bone are interchangeable terms. For example, Merriam-Webster explicitly states that "malar bone" is another name for the "zygomatic bone".
The zygomatic bone's significance in facial structure, from its contribution to the orbit to its role in the zygomatic arch and facial muscle attachment, makes it a key anatomical feature. Understanding the malar/zygomatic bone is vital in fields like facial surgery, orthodontics, and maxillofacial radiology.
