cheek

The cheek, or buccal region, is the lateral aspect of the face between the ear and the mouth. It comprises skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles of facial expression and mastication, and fat, with the inner surface lined by the buccal mucosa that forms the inner cheek.

Anatomy and structure: The cheeks overlay the lateral aspects of the maxilla and zygomatic bones. Muscles present include the buccinator, which helps keep food between the teeth during chewing, and the muscles of facial expression such as the zygomaticus major and minor, risorius, and levator anguli oris. A layer of buccal fat pad lies beneath the musculature and contributes to cheek fullness. The parotid gland sits near the cheek, adjacent to the masseter muscle.

Nerves, vessels, and lymphatics: Sensation from the cheek skin and mucosa is provided by branches of the trigeminal nerve. Motor control of the cheek muscles comes from the facial nerve. Blood supply is from facial, maxillary, and superficial temporal vessels, and lymphatic drainage follows facial and parotid nodes.

Function: The cheeks contribute to facial expression and play a key role in mastication by aiding the buccinator in pressing food against the teeth and helping seal the oral vestibule during swallowing and suckling. They also participate in articulation and phonation.

Clinical notes: Cheek structures can be affected by trauma, infections, or tumors such as those of the buccal mucosa. Cosmetic or reconstructive procedures may alter cheek fullness, including reduction of the buccal fat pad in some cases.