Which facial bone forms the prominence of the cheek?

Which facial bone forms the prominence of the cheek?

• A. Nasal bone
• B. Zygomatic bone
• C. Maxilla
• D. Mandible

Answer: (B)

The cheek prominence comes from the zygomatic bone, often called the cheekbone. This bone sits on the side of the face, forming the rounded contour that sticks out beneath the eye and extending forward to shape the midface. It also contributes to the orbit’s lateral wall and forms the zygomatic arch where it meets the temporal bone. The other bones don’t create that outward cheek contour: the nasal bone is small and forms the bridge of the nose; the maxilla forms the upper jaw and central face but not the outer cheek prominence; the mandible forms the lower jaw.

The cheek prominence comes from the zygomatic bone, often called the cheekbone. This bone sits on the side of the face, forming the rounded contour that sticks out beneath the eye and extending forward to shape the midface. It also contributes to the orbit’s lateral wall and forms the zygomatic arch where it meets the temporal bone.

The other bones don’t create that outward cheek contour: the nasal bone is small and forms the bridge of the nose; the maxilla forms the upper jaw and central face but not the outer cheek prominence; the mandible forms the lower jaw.