Zygomatic Bone, Posterior View

Description

Posteriorly, the zygomatic bone (os zygomaticum, malar bone) is seen as an isolated right or left cheekbone with the temporal process projecting posterolaterally to meet the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and complete the zygomatic arch. The orbital surface forms part of the lateral orbital wall and rim, while the roughened temporal surface faces toward the temporal fossa and lies lateral to the infratemporal region. Superiorly the zygomatic bone articulates with the frontal bone at the frontozygomatic suture, and anteromedially it meets the maxilla at the zygomaticomaxillary suture. Strong relief and suture margins make the posterior contour easy to read. A posterior view is where the zygomatic arch makes anatomic sense, because you can appreciate how the arch bridges the face to the temporal bone and defines the lateral boundary for the temporalis fascia and the corridor deep to it. Clinically, this is the perspective that helps explain why a depressed zygomatic arch fracture can mechanically limit mandibular excursion by impinging on the coronoid process during mouth opening, even when the orbital rim looks acceptable from the front. Reduction planning often hinges on restoring the lateral projection and curvature of the arch, not just the malar eminence. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy teaching when covering facial buttresses, the lateral orbital wall, and the temporalis and masseter muscle relationships across the zygomatic arch. It also fits well in maxillofacial trauma references, operative technique chapters on zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, and radiology teaching that correlates posterior bony contours with submentovertex or CT axial reconstructions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.