Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español
Government Funding Lapse
Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

zygomatic bone

(ZY-goh-MA-tik bone)
One of a pair of bones on each upper side of the face that forms the cheek and part of the eye socket. The zygomatic bones help give shape and structure to the face and are connected to the jaw and bones near the ears, forehead, and skull. They protect the nerves and blood vessels that run through the face and provide an attachment for muscles that help the jaw move. Also called cheekbone.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms