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'''Buccal Fat Pad'''
{{Short description|Anatomical structure in the human cheek}}
{{Anatomy}}


The '''[[Buccal fat pad]]''' is a mass of specialized [[adipose tissue]] located in the [[buccal space]] of the human face. It is involved in various functions such as facial contouring, mastication, and facial expression.  
==Buccal Fat Pad==
[[File:4_puffy_cheeks.jpg|thumb|right|The buccal fat pad contributes to the fullness of the cheeks.]]
The '''buccal fat pad''' is a rounded mass of adipose tissue located in the cheek area of the human face. It plays a significant role in facial contour and aesthetics, as well as in various physiological functions.


==Anatomy==
==Anatomy==
The buccal fat pad is situated between the [[buccinator muscle]] and several superficial muscles of the face, including the [[masseter muscle]] and the [[zygomaticus major]]. It is encapsulated by a thin fibrous membrane and is divided into three lobes: anterior, intermediate, and posterior.


The buccal fat pad is a rounded structure located between the [[buccinator muscle]] and several other facial muscles. It is divided into several lobes, each of which is enclosed by a thin fibrous capsule. The size and shape of the buccal fat pad can vary greatly among individuals, contributing to differences in facial appearance.
===Anterior Lobe===
The anterior lobe of the buccal fat pad is located near the corner of the mouth and is the smallest of the three lobes. It is closely associated with the [[orbicularis oris]] muscle.
 
===Intermediate Lobe===
The intermediate lobe is the largest portion of the buccal fat pad and is situated in the central cheek area. It provides the majority of the volume that contributes to the fullness of the cheeks.
 
===Posterior Lobe===
The posterior lobe extends towards the [[temporal fossa]] and is located near the [[pterygoid muscles]]. It is involved in the cushioning of the [[temporomandibular joint]] during mastication.


==Function==
==Function==
The buccal fat pad serves several functions:


The buccal fat pad plays a crucial role in facial contouring, providing a smooth and rounded appearance to the cheeks. It also aids in the process of [[mastication]], acting as a cushion for the masticatory muscles during chewing and speaking. Additionally, the buccal fat pad is involved in the expression of various facial emotions.
* '''Facial Contour''': It provides fullness to the cheeks, contributing to the overall shape and contour of the face.
 
* '''Protection''': It acts as a cushion to protect facial muscles and nerves during mastication and other facial movements.
==Clinical significance==
* '''Facilitation of Sucking and Chewing''': In infants, the buccal fat pad is particularly prominent and aids in sucking and chewing.


Abnormalities in the size or shape of the buccal fat pad can lead to aesthetic concerns or functional problems. For instance, excessive buccal fat can result in a "chubby" facial appearance, while insufficient buccal fat can cause a gaunt or hollowed look. Surgical procedures such as [[buccal fat pad extraction]] can be performed to modify the size of the buccal fat pad for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes.
==Clinical Significance==
The buccal fat pad is often considered in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Reduction of the buccal fat pad, known as buccal fat removal, is a procedure performed to create a more contoured facial appearance. Additionally, the buccal fat pad can be used in reconstructive surgery to repair oral defects or as a graft in various surgical procedures.


==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Buccal space]]
* [[Facial anatomy]]
* [[Buccinator muscle]]
* [[Adipose tissue]]
* [[Adipose tissue]]
* [[Buccal fat pad extraction]]
* [[Cosmetic surgery]]
 
* [[Mastication]]
==References==


<references />
[[Category:Human anatomy]]
 
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Facial features]]
[[Category:Facial features]]
[[Category:Adipose tissue]]
<gallery>
 
File:Extracted_buccal_fat.jpg|Extracted buccal fat
{{anatomy-stub}}
File:Buccal_Fat_Diagram.jpg|Diagram of buccal fat
File:4_puffy_cheeks.jpg|Buccal fat pad
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 01:10, 18 February 2025

Anatomical structure in the human cheek


Buccal Fat Pad[edit]

The buccal fat pad contributes to the fullness of the cheeks.

The buccal fat pad is a rounded mass of adipose tissue located in the cheek area of the human face. It plays a significant role in facial contour and aesthetics, as well as in various physiological functions.

Anatomy[edit]

The buccal fat pad is situated between the buccinator muscle and several superficial muscles of the face, including the masseter muscle and the zygomaticus major. It is encapsulated by a thin fibrous membrane and is divided into three lobes: anterior, intermediate, and posterior.

Anterior Lobe[edit]

The anterior lobe of the buccal fat pad is located near the corner of the mouth and is the smallest of the three lobes. It is closely associated with the orbicularis oris muscle.

Intermediate Lobe[edit]

The intermediate lobe is the largest portion of the buccal fat pad and is situated in the central cheek area. It provides the majority of the volume that contributes to the fullness of the cheeks.

Posterior Lobe[edit]

The posterior lobe extends towards the temporal fossa and is located near the pterygoid muscles. It is involved in the cushioning of the temporomandibular joint during mastication.

Function[edit]

The buccal fat pad serves several functions:

  • Facial Contour: It provides fullness to the cheeks, contributing to the overall shape and contour of the face.
  • Protection: It acts as a cushion to protect facial muscles and nerves during mastication and other facial movements.
  • Facilitation of Sucking and Chewing: In infants, the buccal fat pad is particularly prominent and aids in sucking and chewing.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The buccal fat pad is often considered in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Reduction of the buccal fat pad, known as buccal fat removal, is a procedure performed to create a more contoured facial appearance. Additionally, the buccal fat pad can be used in reconstructive surgery to repair oral defects or as a graft in various surgical procedures.

Related pages[edit]