Zygoma
Zygoma
Zygoma (/zaɪˈɡoʊmə/; from Greek ζύγωμα zygōma, "yoke") is a term used in the medical field to refer to the cheekbone or malar bone, an important structure of the human skull.
Anatomy
The zygoma is a paired bone of the human skull. It articulates with the maxilla, the temporal bone, the sphenoid bone, and the frontal bone. It is situated at the upper and lateral part of the face and forms the prominence of the cheek, part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit, and parts of the temporal and infratemporal fossa. It presents a malar and a temporal surface; four processes, the frontosphenoidal, orbital, maxillary, and temporal; and four borders.
Clinical significance
Injuries to the zygoma can result in zygomatic complex fracture, also known as a tripod fracture, quadripod fracture, or trimalar fracture. This type of fracture is diagnosed via a CT scan, and may require surgical intervention if it results in a significant cosmetic defect, functional deficit, or if it impairs vision.
Related terms
- Zygomatic arch: The bony arch at the side of the skull that spans from the temporal bone to the zygoma.
- Zygomatic process: A projection of the temporal bone that forms part of the zygoma.
- Zygomaticus major and Zygomaticus minor: Two muscles that originate from the zygoma and are involved in facial expressions.
Etymology
The term "zygoma" derives from the Greek word ζύγωμα (zygōma), meaning "yoke". This is likely due to the arch-like shape of the zygomatic bone, which resembles the yoke used to couple oxen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Zygoma
- Wikipedia's article - Zygoma
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