The zygomatic bone, commonly called the cheekbone, may be a distant and insignificant bone to many people, but it plays a key role in our facial structure. This unusual bone is not only a major component of the facial contour, but also provides important support and connections in the visual system, chewing function and facial expression.
The zygomatic bone is shaped like a diamond and is usually composed of three different processed parts, which are interconnected with other skull bones.
The zygomatic bones are located on the upper and sides of the face and are the side walls of the face and the bottom of the eye sockets. Its structure consists of four main parts: frontal, orbital, maxillary and temporal. These parts not only have different functions, but also together form a complete facial structure, allowing the shape and function of the face to be perfectly displayed.
The structure of the zygomatic bone can be divided into two main surfaces: the convex zygomatic surface and the concave temporal surface. The zygomatic face has a small hole called the zygomaticofacial surface, through which the zygomaticofacial nerve and blood vessels can pass, playing an important supporting role in the sensitivity of facial perception.
The temporal surface has an irregular area on its medial side that contacts the maxilla and forms the anterior boundary of the frontal gallery.
Each zygomatic bone has three processing parts: frontal, temporal and maxillary, which are firmly connected to the skull and support our facial features. These processes allow the cheekbones to serve as bridges to the surrounding bone structure, and the stability of these connections is part of the overall structure of the face.
In many cultures, high cheekbones are considered a symbol of beauty. Whether it is the goddess sculptures of ancient China or the images of Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Warriors, the feature of high cheekbones is often emphasized. This leads some people to opt for cheekbone augmentation surgery to achieve their ideal facial contour.
These aesthetic meanings give cheekbones a richer cultural connotation, and they are regarded as an important symbol of attractiveness.
The formation of the zygomatic bones originates from three centers in the developing embryo, which begin to appear in the eighth week of fetal development and fuse in the fifth month. This process is not only related to aesthetics, but is also closely related to the evolution of physiological characteristics, causing the zygomatic bones to develop a more complex structure in mammals.
Similarities of the zygomatic bone in other animalsThe structure of the zygomatic bone is similar to that of other tetrapods and is called the temporal bone. In non-mammalian vertebrates, the temporal bones are scarce or absent, their structure is relatively simple, and they may vary in different species. The presence of zygomatic bones helps to understand the cranial characteristics of these animals.
ConclusionAs an important part of the face, the zygomatic bone not only has its rationale in physiology, but also occupies a specific position in culture and aesthetics. As people's understanding of beauty continues to deepen, how do they view this tiny bone? Will it change over time?