Zygomaticotemporal Foramen Of The Zygomatic Bone, Posterior View

Description

Zygomaticotemporal foramen on the internal (temporal) surface of the zygomatic bone anchors this posterior view within the temporal fossa. From this fixed vantage, the foramen sits on the concave temporal surface, positioned lateral to the orbit and anterior to the root of the zygomatic arch, where the zygomatic bone contributes to the lateral orbital rim and the zygomaticomaxillary complex. The surrounding bony topography of the temporal fossa frames the opening, emphasizing its placement on the medial aspect of the cheekbone rather than on the facial (malar) surface. Small, but constant. Clinically, this aperture marks the osseous pathway for the zygomaticotemporal nerve (a branch of the maxillary nerve, CN V2) and accompanying vessels as they traverse the zygomaticotemporal canal from the orbit toward the temporal scalp, a route that explains temple sensory symptoms after lateral orbital trauma or surgery. Fractures across the zygomatic bone and zygomatic arch, including zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, can disrupt this canal and contribute to altered sensation over the anterior temple, while surgical exposure during lateral orbitotomy or orbitozygomatic approaches benefits from a precise sense of where the canal exits the temporal surface. The posterior perspective helps you teach and plan around the internal surface landmarks that are often underemphasized in facial views, keeping the temporal fossa relationship explicit. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy courses to reinforce foramina of the zygomatic bone and the cutaneous distribution of CN V2, or in maxillofacial and oculoplastic publications discussing lateral orbital access, fracture patterns, or regional nerve blocks of the zygomaticotemporal nerve. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.