The zygomatic bone forms in membrane (i.e., without a cartilaginous precursor) and is ossified at birth. The nasal cavity is formed by the vomer and the nasal, lachrymal, and…. The frontal process of the zygomatic bone is a process which unites the zygomatic bone with the zygomatic process of the frontal bone. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Both zygoma or cheek bones are irregular and articulate with other bones of the cranium and face. The bone houses the zygomatic canal. This thickness also allows the bone to remain strong and sturdy to protect the more delicate features of the face. A lively and informative new podcast for kids that the whole family will enjoy. It forms the central part of the zygomatic arch by its attachments to the maxilla in front and to the zygomatic process of the temporal bone at the side. It adjoins the frontal bone at the outer edge of the orbit and the sphenoid and maxilla within the orbit. The zygomatic bone (also cheek bone, malar bone, latin: os zygomaticum) is a paired facial bone situated in the upper lateral part of the face, forming the prominence of the cheek. Please contact. They are important contributors to mastication or chewing, providing an attachment point for the masseter muscle – a jaw adductor that closes the jaw. The zygomatic canal is a passage within the zygomatic bone starting with one opening on the orbital surface (zygomatico-orbital foramen), and leading to openings on the temporal (zygomaticotemporal foramen) and the facial surfaces (zygomaticofacial foramen) of the zygomatic bone. For questions regarding business inquiries. It adjoins the frontal bone at the outer edge of the orbit and the sphenoid and maxilla within the orbit. The zygomatic bone also takes part in forming the floor of the orbit, as well as the temporal fossa and the infratemporal fossa. The temporal surface of the zygomatic bone is directed posteriorly and medially, is concave and presents medially a surface for articulation with the zygomatic process of the maxilla, and laterally a concave surface that forms the anterior border of the infratemporal fossa. The zygomatic bone articulates with four bones: the maxilla, the temporal bone, the sphenoid, and the frontal bone. It continues as the zygomatic canal leading to both zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticofacial foramina. The orbital surface of the zygomatic bone forms part of the lateral side of the orbital floor. The zygomatic nerve dividing into branches and the zygomatic blood vessels pass through it. The lateral surface of the zygomatic bone participates in forming part of the infra-orbital margin, and is perforated by zygomaticofacial foramen near its center.