Bones of the Face

Nestor T. Hilvano, M.D., M.P.H.

Learning Objectives

You should be able to:

1. Name and identify the bones of the face and their anatomical features.

2. State the functions of the bones of the face.

3. Describe the paranasal sinuses and its importance.

4. Discuss temporomandibular joint syndrome based on structure and function.

Facial Bones• Functions:

- Support the teeth

- Give shape to the face- Part of orbital and nasal cavities- Provide attachment for muscles

• 14 Facial Bones- 2 maxillae, 2 palatine bones, 2 zygomatic bones, 2 lacrimal bones, 2 nasal bones, 2 inferior nasal conchae, 1 vomer, and 1 mandible

Maxillary Bones• Form ________ jaw

– alveolar processes– alveolar sockets

• Form inferomedial wall of orbit

- orbital rim

– infraorbital foramen

• Form ________ part of hard palate– Palatine processes– Incisive foramen– Cleft palate

Palatine Bones • L-shaped bone• posterior part of the hard palate (horizontal plate)

• part of the orbital floor (perpendicular plate)

Paranasal Sinuses

• Importance: Lighten the skull bones and provide area of mucous epithelium.

___ What is the most common site of sinus infection? a. frontal sinus b. maxillary sinus c. sphenoid sinus d. ethmoid sinus

Zygomatic Bones

• Forms angles of the ________ and part of lateral orbital wall

• Part of Zygomatic arch (temporal process of zygomatic)

Lacrimal and Nasal Bones• Lacrimal Bones

- form part of medial

wall of orbit

- lacrimal sulcus houses

the _______; tears

collect and drain into

nasal cavity

• Nasal Bones- form _______ of nose

- often fractured by blow to the nose

Inferior Nasal Conchae and Vomer

• Inferior nasal conchae- Create turbulence in

air passing and promote

warming of inhaled air.

• Vomer - _______ half of the

nasal septum

- Supports cartilage of

nasal septum

Mandible• Only movable bone

– jaw joint between mandibular fossa and condyloid process

• Holds the ________ teeth • Attachment of muscles of

mastication– temporalis muscle onto coronoid

process– masseter muscle onto angle of

mandible• Mandibular foramen

- passage for b.v. and nerves of lower teeth

• Mental foramen- openings for sensory nerves from the lips and chin

TMJ• TMJ has two movements: rotation or hinge action, and

gliding action

• TMJ syndrome = muscle spasm + misalignment pain

• Causes: bruxism, emotional stress, trauma, infection

• Manifestations:

- facial pain radiating around the ear

- difficulty to open the mouth

Homework (Self- Review) 1. Identify the facial bones associated with the following.

a) movable facial bone, b) medial orbital wall, c) cheekbone, d) bridge of nose, e) upper jaw, f) posterior part of hard palate, g) inferior part of nasal septum, h) upper jaw, i) anterior part of hard palate.

2. Describe the structures and functions of paranasal sinuses.

3. Discuss TMJ syndrome as to structures affected and clinical presentations.

4. What organ is located in lacrimal fossa?