Head and Neck Anatomy: Part I – Bony Structures
Zygomatic Bones

The two zygomatic bones form the central portion of the zygomatic arch and provide a large mass of bone at the lateral wall of the orbit. They articulate with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone posteriorly, the zygomatic process of the frontal bone superiorly and the zygomatic process of the maxilla medially. The border between the temporal and infratemporal spaces is defined by the arch with temporal space being superior and the infratemporal space being inferior to the arch. The zygomatic arch buttresses the side of the face while allowing structures to pass behind it and acting as an attachment point for muscles.

Muscle attachments – The zygomatic arch acts as the origin of the masseter muscle which is a powerful muscle of mastication. The zygomaticus major and minor muscles also originate from the zygomatic arch.