Overview
This lecture covers the major bones and key structures of the facial skeleton, highlighting their locations, connections, and functions.
Bones of the Skull
- The skull has two bone groups: cranium (protects brain) and facial bones (form the face).
- The zygomatic bone is the cheekbone and articulates with the frontal, temporal, and maxillary bones.
- The maxillary bones form the upper jaw and part of the hard palate.
- The mandible is the lower jawbone and the only movable facial bone.
Zygomatic and Associated Processes
- Each skull has three zygomatic processes (on the frontal, temporal, and maxillary bones), all connecting to the zygomatic bone.
- The zygomatic bone itself has three processes: frontal, temporal, and maxillary processes, each named by the bone it faces.
Maxillary Bone Features
- The infraorbital foramen is a hole below the orbit (eye socket) for nerves.
- The maxillary sinus is a hollow space inside the maxillary bone.
- The palatine process forms the front two-thirds of the hard palate.
- The alveolar processes are ridges that hold the upper teeth.
Mandible Features
- The mental protuberance is the chin area of the mandible.
- Mental foramina are holes on each side for nerves.
- The body forms the main part; the angle is where it curves upward.
- The ramus is the vertical extension of the mandible.
- The mandibular notch is a groove at the upper ramus.
- The condylar process articulates with the mandibular fossa to form the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
- The coronoid process provides muscle attachment.
- The mandibular foramen is on the inner side of the mandible.
- Alveolar processes hold the lower teeth.
Additional Facial Bones
- Nasal bones form the bridge of the nose.
- Inferior nasal conchae are separate bones that warm, clean, and humidify air in the nasal cavity.
- Lacrimal bones are in the inner eye socket and house the tear ducts.
- The vomer and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone form the nasal septum that divides the nasal cavity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Zygomatic process — bony extension from one bone toward the zygomatic bone.
- Foramen — a hole in bone for nerves or blood vessels.
- Maxillary sinus — air-filled space in the maxillary bone.
- Palatine process — horizontal bony plate forming part of the hard palate.
- Ramus — vertical or oblique bony extension.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) — joint between the mandible and the temporal bone.
- Alveolar process — ridge containing tooth sockets.
- Lacrimal bone — small bone in the inner eye socket assisting tear drainage.
- Nasal conchae — curved bones inside the nasal cavity aiding air filtration.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the structure and location of each facial bone.
- Practice identifying key processes and foramina on diagrams or models.
- Memorize the functions of the nasal conchae and major foramina.