Malar

Malar or the cheekbone is a prominent facial bone that forms the prominence of the cheek, part of the eye socket, and the lateral wall and floor of the nasal cavity. It is also known as the zygomatic bone and is situated in the upper and lateral part of the face. It forms the prominence of the cheek, part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbital cavity, 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.

Structure

The malar bone is complex in its shape and is almost cuboidal. It is located in the upper and lateral part of the face, and forms a part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit, and parts of the temporal and infratemporal fossa. It is thick and strong, and forms the prominence of the cheek, and gives attachment to the muscles of mastication.

Surfaces

The malar surface is convex and perforated near its center by a small aperture, the zygomaticofacial foramen, for the passage of the zygomaticofacial nerve and vessels. The temporal surface, directed backward and medialward, is concave, presenting medially a rough, triangular area, for articulation with the maxilla, and laterally a smooth, concave surface, the upper part of which forms the anterior boundary of the temporal fossa, the lower a part of the infratemporal fossa.

Processes

The malar bone has four processes: the frontosphenoidal, orbital, maxillary, and temporal. The frontosphenoidal process is thick and serrated, and articulates with the zygomatic process of the frontal bone. The orbital process is a thick, strong plate, which projects backward and medialward from the orbital margin. The maxillary process is short and truncated, and articulates with the maxilla. The temporal process, long and narrow, articulates with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone.

Clinical significance

Fractures of the malar bone can occur due to trauma, such as a blow to the face. These fractures can lead to a condition known as malar flattening, where the prominence of the cheek is reduced. This can cause significant facial disfigurement and may require surgical intervention to correct.

See also

• Zygomatic complex fracture
• Zygomatic arch
• Maxilla
• Orbital floor

References

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