Yanaklar

Yanaklar, commonly referred to as the cheeks, are the paired regions of the face located on each side between the nose and the ears. They form the lateral aspects of the midface and contribute to facial contour, communication of expressions, and protection of deeper structures.

Anatomically, the cheek region consists of skin and subcutaneous connective tissue overlaying a layer of facial muscles, fat, and bone. The buccal fat pad lies within the cheek and can influence fullness. The buccinator muscle forms the muscular wall of the cheek and assists in manipulating food during chewing, while the zygomaticus major and minor muscles control movements of the mouth corner and midface expressions. The cheek bones are formed by the zygomatic bones, with support from the maxilla medially.

Nerve and vascular supply are essential to cheek function. Sensory innervation of the skin and mucosa of the cheek is primarily via branches of the maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve, while the muscles of facial expression receive motor innervation from the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). Blood supply is provided by branches of the facial and maxillary arteries, among others, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the region.

Functionally, the cheeks contribute to facial aesthetics, assist in speech and eating, and participate in expressions through the action of facial muscles. Variation in fullness and contour occurs with age, weight, and genetics. Clinically, the cheek region is a focus in cosmetic procedures (such as augmentation or buccal fat pad reduction) and in the management of facial trauma.