Zygomatic Bone Anatomy

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update:

Introduction to Temporal Bone Anatomy:

image descriptionThe zygomatic bones (Gr., zygoma – yoke) are two facial bones that form the cheeks and the lateral walls of the orbits.

They are also commonly referred to as the cheekbones or malar bones (L., mala – the cheek). Each zygomatic bone articulates with the temporal bone, frontal bone, maxilla, and sphenoid bones.

Markings of the Zygomatic bone:

Anterior view:

  1. Frontal process (or frontosphenoidal process) – projection that articulates with frontal and sphenoid bones.
  1. Orbital process – projection that forms lateral wall (and part of floor) of orbit.
  1. Maxillary process – projection that articulates with maxilla bone.

Lateral view:

  1. Frontal process (or frontosphenoidal process) – projection that articulates with frontal and sphenoid bones.

Improve your knowledge of the skull bones with these interactive exam-style quizzes, worksheets and labeled diagrams.

  1. Temporal process – projection that articulates with zygomatic process of temporal bone to form zygomatic arch.
  1. Maxillary process – projection that articulates with maxilla bone.

Test yourself:

Anterior view: [Show/Hide answers]

Lateral view: [Show/Hide answers]