What is the name of the bone that forms the prominence of the cheek?

The bone that forms the prominence of the cheek is known as the zygoma, or the zygomatic bone. This bone plays a crucial role in shaping the face and supports the structure of the cheek. It is located at the upper and lateral parts of the face and contributes to the orbit, which houses the eye. The zygoma connects with several other bones, including the maxilla, frontal bone, and temporal bone, which together form the facial skeleton.

The prominence of the cheek, which is commonly referred to as the cheekbone, is primarily due to the zygoma's structure, making it a distinguishing feature of the face. Its position allows it to provide both aesthetic shape and functional support for the muscles involved in facial expression and mastication (the process of chewing).

In contrast, the mandible is the lower jawbone, which primarily supports the lower portion of the face and teeth. The maxilla is the upper jawbone, which holds the upper teeth and forms part of the eye sockets but does not contribute to the cheek's prominence. The frontal bone is located at the forehead and does not influence the contour of the cheeks. Therefore, the zygoma is the accurate term for the bone that forms the prominent part of