What is the anatomical term for the cheekbone?

The anatomical term for the cheekbone is the zygomatic arch. This structure is a prominent bone located in the upper and lateral part of the face, forming the cheek's contour. The zygomatic arch is composed of two main bones: the zygomatic bone itself and a portion of the temporal bone, contributing to the overall shape and structure of the face.

The mandible refers to the lower jawbone, which plays a crucial role in chewing and speaking but is not involved in the formation of the cheek. The nasal bone consists of two small bones that form the bridge of the nose, distinctly separate from the cheek area. The frontal bone is one of the major bones of the skull forming the forehead and the upper eye sockets, again not related to the cheekbone. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the zygomatic arch is the correct anatomical term for the cheekbone.