Facial Bones Overview

The mandible, maxilla, palatine bone, zygomatic bone, lacrimal bone, and vomer bone are always considered facial bones. The combination of the bones form the structure of an individual's face. However, the hynoid is cometimes considered a facial bone since it contributes to the appearance of a person's face.

Mandible

The mandible is also known as the jawbone. The shape of the mandible determines the appearance of a person's jaw, while the meeting of the left and right mandible contribute to the shape of a person's chin. The mandible holds a person's lower teeth. The jaw bone makes chewing possible.

Maxilla

The maxilla is also known as the upper jaw. The maxilla is protected by the zygomatic bone. The maxilla holds the upper teeth, and connects to many of the palatine bone, zygomatic bone, lacrimal bone, and vomer.

Palatine Bone

The palatine bone is one of the bones found in the mouth. The palatine bone supports the mouth, allows the maxilla to hold the teeth in place, and the gums serve to protect the palatine bone and the maxilla. The tissue which covers the palatine bone is similar to the tissue that makes up gums.

Zygomatic Bone

The zygomatic bone is also known as the cheekbone. The zygomatic bone serves to protect other bones of the face from being damaged. As a result the zygomatic bone is very strong. Although the zygomatic bone is the major bone that forms the cheek, other bones are involved.

Lacrimal Bone

The lacrimal bone is one of the major bones that contributes to the orbital plane. It is the smallest and most fragile bone in the face. The lacrimal bone helps to support the eye. It is at the front of the orbital medial wall.

Vomer

Since the vomer sits on the midsagital line, it is one of the few unpaired bones of the face. Since the midsagittal line serves to divide the human body into left and right hemispheres, most facial bones must be paired in order to maintain symmetry. However, the central location of the vomer allows it to not have to be paired.