What are the bones that form the cheekbones called?

The bones that form the cheekbones are known as the zygomatic bones. These bones provide structure to the face and are located on each side of the skull, articulating with the maxilla, the temporal bone, the sphenoid, and the frontal bone. The zygomatic bones are integral to facial aesthetics and can influence the contour and overall appearance of the cheeks.

In contrast, the maxillae are the upper jaw bones that hold the upper teeth and are also involved in forming the structure of the face, but they do not create the prominence of the cheeks. The nasal bones constitute the bridge of the nose, and the mandible is the lower jaw bone, which does not contribute to the formation of the cheekbone structure. Understanding these anatomical distinctions is essential in the field of esthetics, especially when discussing facial treatments and contouring techniques.