There are two bones named malar, (os malse, malare, jugale, zygomaticum.) Each is common to the face and orbit, forming the most prominent point of the side of the former, and the greater part of the outer border of the latter. Its form is quadrangular.

The facial or anterior surface, pierced by some foramina {malar) for small nerves and vessels, is convex, and gives attachment to the zygomatic muscles; — the posterior overlays the zygomatic fossa, and is rough at its fore part for its articulation with the superior maxillary bone.

The superior surface, smooth, narrow, and lunated, extending into the orbit, articulates with the frontal, sphenoid, and superior maxillary bones, and contributes by a small smooth margin to bound the spheno-maxillary fissure. It is pierced by two or three foramina, and gives passage to a small nerve, which passes backwards through it.

The superior border forms the outer margin of the orbit; the inferior is on a line with the zygomatic arch, which it contributes to form, supporting the zygomatic process of the temporal bone; the anterior articulates with the maxillary bone; the posterior, curved, gives attachment to the temporal aponeurosis.

The angles, of the bone are readily distinguished one from the other. They are four in number. The anterior is slender and pointed, and rests on the superior maxillary bone. The posterior is thin, and supports the zygomatic process of the temporal; the suture between the two bones is often vertical at the lower end. The superior angle, which is very thick, supports the external angular process of the frontal bone; and the lower one is less prominent than the others.

Articulations

It articulates with the frontal, superior maxillary, temporal, and sphenoid bones.

Attachments of muscles

The zygomatici, to its anterior surface; the masseter to its inferior border; to its anterior angle, part of the levator labii superioris.

The ossification

It extends from a single ossific point, which appears about the time that the ossification of the vertebra? commences.

This website puts documents at your disposal only and solely for information purposes. They can not in any way replace the consultation of a physician or the care provided by a qualified practitioner and should therefore never be interpreted as being able to do so.