The cheekbone is also referred to as what?

The cheekbone is commonly referred to as the malar complex, which is an essential component of the facial structure. The term "malar" comes from the Latin word for cheekbone, and it encompasses the zygomatic bone, which is the actual bone that forms the prominence of the cheek. The malar complex also includes surrounding structures that contribute to facial aesthetics and function.

Understanding this terminology is important as it differentiates the specific anatomical part from other related structures in the skull. For instance, while the zygomatic arch represents the bony arch on the side of the skull that is formed by the zygomatic bone and the temporal bone, the term malar complex provides a broader context that is important in fields like anatomy, dentistry, and plastic surgery.

The frontal bone, maxillary bone, and zygomatic arch refer to different anatomical structures and are not synonymous with cheekbone. Recognizing these distinctions aids in better comprehension of facial anatomy and its relevance in various medical and cosmetic applications.