Facial skeleton
Facial Skeleton
The Facial Skeleton (pronounced: /ˈfeɪʃəl ˈskɛlɪtən/), also known as the viscerocranium, is a complex structure comprised of various bones that form the face. It is a part of the skull, the bony structure that supports the structures of the face and provides a protective cavity for the brain.
Etymology
The term "Facial Skeleton" is derived from the Latin words "facies" meaning face, and "skeleton" which is derived from the Greek word "skeletos" meaning dried up. The term "viscerocranium" comes from the Latin "viscera" meaning internal organs, and "cranium" meaning skull.
Structure
The Facial Skeleton is made up of fourteen bones which include the paired maxillae, zygomatic, nasal, lacrimal, palatine, and inferior nasal conchae, and the unpaired vomer and mandible.
Maxillae
The maxillae are the largest bones of the facial skeleton. They form the upper jaw and meet in the middle at a suture.
Zygomatic Bones
The zygomatic bones are also known as the cheekbones. They articulate with the maxillae and the temporal bones.
Nasal Bones
The nasal bones form the bridge of the nose and articulate with the frontal bone and the maxillae.
Lacrimal Bones
The lacrimal bones are the smallest bones in the face. They are located in the medial wall of the orbit.
Palatine Bones
The palatine bones form the posterior part of the hard palate and the floor of the nose.
Inferior Nasal Conchae
The inferior nasal conchae are independent bones of the facial skeleton. They project horizontally into the nasal cavity.
Vomer
The vomer is a thin, flat bone that forms the lower part of the nasal septum.
Mandible
The mandible is the lower jawbone. It is the only movable bone of the facial skeleton.
Related Terms
- Cranium: The upper part of the skull, which encloses and protects the brain.
- Suture: A type of joint that connects the bones of the skull.
- Orbit: The bony cavity that contains the eyeball.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Facial skeleton
- Wikipedia's article - Facial skeleton
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