cheekbones

Cheekbones, anatomically the zygomatic bones, are paired bones that form the prominences of the cheeks and contribute to the lateral walls of the orbits. They are sometimes referred to as the malar region.

Each zygomatic bone has three processes—the frontal, temporal, and maxillary— and articulates with the frontal bone, sphenoid, maxilla, and temporal bone. It forms part of the orbit’s lateral wall and floor and contributes to the zygomatic arch.

The malar eminence is the most outwardly visible portion of the cheek and defines facial contour.

Development and variation: The bones develop through childhood into adulthood; prominence varies with ethnicity, age, and sex. Aging often reduces midface fullness due to fat loss and bone resorption, altering contour.

Function and clinical relevance: The cheekbones provide facial contour and serve as attachment sites for facial muscles, notably the zygomaticus major and minor, which elevate the mouth corners. Clinically, zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures can accompany blunt trauma; cosmetic procedures include implants, fat grafts, and dermal fillers to augment or restore cheek prominence.