Facial Bones

14 bones make up the face. 12 of these bones are pairs

Maxilla (right and left) The two maxilla bones fuse to form the upper jaw. The maxilla holds the upper teeth Part of the maxilla forms the anterior part of the palate of the mouth All facial bones except the mandible join at the maxilla

Palatine Bones Paired bones that lie posterior to the palatine processes of the maxillae. Form the posterior part of the palate. Failure for these bones to fuse result in a cleft palate.

Zygomatic Bones Commonly referred to as the cheek bones. They form the lateral portion of the orbits (eye sockets). They fuse with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. Zygomatic Bones

Lacrimal Bones Finger-nail sized bones that form part of the medial walls of the orbit. Each lacrimal bone has a small groove so that tears can drain into the nasal cavity.

Nasal Bones Two, small rectangular bones that form the bridge of the nose. The anterior part of the nose is made up of cartilage.

Mandible The lower jaw The largest and strongest bone of the face Forms the only movable joint in the skull Articulates with the temporal bones on each side of the face The horizontal part forms the chin The lower teeth are found in alveoli (sockets)

Vomer Bone The single bone in the inferior median line of the nasal cavity Forms the lowest portion of the nasal septum “vomer’ means plow.

Inferior Conchae Thin curved bones projecting from the lateral walls of the nasal cavity Nasal bone Vomer bone Inferior concha bones

Sinus Cavities (4) Hollow portions of bones surrounding the nasal cavity Functions of nasal sinuses Lighten the skull Give resonance and tone to your voice

Hyoid Bone Not really a facial bone. It is located superior to the larynx. The only bone in the body that does not articulate with another bone. Serves as an attachment site for the muscles of the tongue.