Bones of the Face: Functions and Description

The Bones of the face they are a set of complex interlaced structures that together form an anatomical complex known as the fronto-facial massif. These are bones of all possible shapes and sizes that, despite being very close to each other, have particular characteristics.

These very specific characteristics allow them to carry out very specialized functions, so that although all are confined in a very small space and are part of a whole, each one has a special function. In total the face has 6 even bones (12 in total) and 2 odd bones.

Bones of the face

This gives a total of 14 bony structures, which in turn are directly related to two bones of the skull: the frontal and the ethmoid. From there comes the name of fronto-facil massif, a name given to this set of structures.

Index

  • 1 Functions
    • 1.1 They hold their eyes
    • 1.2 They form the respiratory conduit
    • 1.3 Dan structure
    • 1.4 They are seat of the teeth
  • 2 Description of the bones of the face
    • 2.1 Couple
    • 2.2 Odd
    • 2.3 Maxilla
    • 2.4 Malar or zygomatic
    • 2.5 Palatine
    • 2.6 Nasal bones or bones of the nose
    • 2.7 Lacrimal bone or unguis
    • 2.8 Lower turbinate or lower turbinate
    • 2.9 Vomer
    • 2.10 Lower jaw
  • 3 References

Functions

For the most part, the bones of the face have a structural function; that is, they give shape to the face, including the passages that pass through it (nostrils) and that communicate the different cavities with each other (as in the case of the lacrimal duct, which connects the ocular orbits with the nose).

In addition, these bones give place to many muscles, as well as to the blood vessels and nerves of the region.

They hold their eyes

Each bone by itself is not capable of housing organs in its interior, since they are flat bones; nevertheless, its union by means of non-mobile articulations (sutures) allows the formation of three-dimensional cavities where very specialized organs are housed, as it happens in the case of the orbits, where the eyes are housed.

They form the respiratory conduit

The same happens with the nostrils. The first part of the respiratory ducts is formed by the three-dimensional network of several bones, which form a kind of tunnel that connects the exterior with the interior, allowing the passage of air.

Dan structure

The bones of the face also provide protection to these structures, particularly the eye, which is in a kind of safe, surrounded by bones whose function is to break to absorb the energy of the trauma, thus preventing it from being transferred to the delicate structures of the eyeball.

They are seat of the teeth

On the other hand, the bones that are part of the oral cavity also have an important functional role: there the teeth settle. Through the movement of the single dynamic joint of the face (temporo-mandibular), chewing is allowed.

Description of the bones of the face

To understand a little more the complexity of the bones that make up the fronto-facial massif it is useful to review its location, main function and spatial relationships; Only in this way is it possible to realize how complex this intricate system of bones and holes is.

Couple

There are two of each: right and left.

- Upper jaw.

- Malar or zygomatic.

- Palatino.

- Nasal bone.

- Lacrimal bone.

- Lower turbinate.

Odd

There is only one, centrally located, on the axis of the face.

- Vomer.

- Lower jaw.

Next, the characteristics of each of the mentioned bones will be explained:

Maxilla

It is perhaps the most complex bone of the face, due to its shape and to which it relates practically with all the other bones of the region.

Its central location and its superior, inferior and lateral projections make it the cornerstone of the entire fronto-facial massif, which makes it have very important structural and functional functions.

In this bone the upper teeth are located; In addition, its lateral and superior projections make it part of the nasal fossa, the floor of the orbit and palate.

This bone can be compared to a crossroads or a railway junction, since it is in the center and connected with all the structures of the face.

Malar or zygomatic

It is another of the large bones of the face, being in close relationship with the upper jaw (the malar on the outside and the upper jaw on the inside).

Due to its large size and three-dimensional structure, the zygomatic forms part of several important structures of the face: the orbit (forming the infero-lateral face) and the cheek, to which it provides bone support.

Due to its position and characteristics (long and thin processes) it is one of the most susceptible bones of fracture in facial trauma.

Palatine

It is a small bone that is located behind and inside the upper jaws, forming the hard palate or roof of the mouth and, in turn, a part of the floor of the nasal passages.

Nasal bones or bones of the nose

They are two flat, thin, small bones that form the anterior part of the bony portion of the nasal pyramid. When joined with the upper jaws and the frontal bone, they form the upper part of the nasal fossa.

In addition, underneath they rest on the vomer, so they are also part of the internal structure of the nose.

Lacrimal bone or unguis

It is a small and thin but very specialized bone. It is part of the internal (medial) face of the orbit. In a specialized channel it houses the naso-lacrimal duct, responsible for joining the orbital cavity with the nasal fossa and serving as a drainage point for tears.

Due to its position, the external face of the lacrimal looks towards the orbit and the internal face towards the nasal fossa, so it constitutes an ideal collocation site when reconstructive surgery of the naso-lacrimal drainage channels should be performed.

Lower turbinate or lower turbinate

It is a bony structure in the form of a spiral that is practically inside the nasal fossa. Its function is to increase the area available for the nasal mucosa, so that the air that passes through there is heated before entering the lower respiratory tract.

In addition, it works like a filter, retaining large particles that can enter the nostril. It is also a physical barrier to foreign bodies that may accidentally or intentionally enter the nostrils.

Vomer

It is the only odd bone of the nose. For the most part it is flat, forming the middle part of the nasal septum.

In its structure it has only small projections that allow it to articulate with the maxilla and the palatine below, with the ethmoid and part of the sphenoid above and in front with the nasal cartilages, with its posterior edge free and in keeping with the nasopharynx.

Lower jaw

Although it is considered an even bone, it is the result of the fusion of two separate bones in the fetal stage, although for practical purposes it functions as a single structure.

It is the only moving bone of the face and forms the jaw, in which the structures that form the floor of the mouth and tongue take their seat; In addition, it is the site where the lower teeth lodge.

It is a bone with two joints that work in unison, known as ATM (temporo-mandibular joint) and, as the name implies, this joint joins the jawbone to the temporal bone.

References

  1. Netter, F. H. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy, Professional Edition E-Book: including NetterReference. com Access with Full Downloadable Image Bank . Elsevier Health Sciences.
  2. Harvati, K., & Weaver, T. D. (2006). Human cranial anatomy and the differential preservation of population history and climate signatures. The Anatomical Record , 288 (12), 1225-1233.
  3. Baker, L. W. (1941). The influence of the dental formative organs on the growth of the bones of the face. American Journal of Orthodontics and Oral Surgery , 27 (9), 489-506.
  4. LeCount, E. R., & Apfelbach, C. W. (1920). PATHOLOGIC ANATOMY OF TRAUMATIC FRACTURES OF CRANIAL BONES: AND CONCOMITANT BRAIN INJURIES. Journal of the American Medical Association , 74 (8), 501-511.
  5. Moss, M. L., & Young, R. W. (1960). A functional approach to craniology. American journal of physical anthropology , 18 (4), 281-292.


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