Which bone is commonly referred to as the cheekbone?

Which bone is commonly referred to as the cheekbone?

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

Answer: (C)

The cheekbone is formed by the zygomatic bone, commonly called the zygoma. This bone creates the prominent contour of the cheek and helps form the lateral wall of the orbit. In contrast, the maxilla is the upper jaw, the nasal bones form the bridge of the nose, and the mandible is the lower jaw. So the bone most people refer to as the cheekbone is the zygomatic bone.

The cheekbone is formed by the zygomatic bone, commonly called the zygoma. This bone creates the prominent contour of the cheek and helps form the lateral wall of the orbit. In contrast, the maxilla is the upper jaw, the nasal bones form the bridge of the nose, and the mandible is the lower jaw. So the bone most people refer to as the cheekbone is the zygomatic bone.