BONES OF THE FACE. 205 



and is united by its internal edge to the ethmoid, by its 

 anterior edge to the superior maxillary, and by its posterior 

 to the sphenoid bone. The sphenoidal process is smaller, 

 and posterior to the orbital. Its external lateral surface 

 assists in forming the spheno-maxillary fossa; its internal 

 helps to form the nares, and its superior articulates with 

 the sphenoid bone. Both of these processes are cellular 

 and communicate with the cells of the sphenoid and eth- 

 moid. They are separated by a large opening, the spheno- 

 palatine foramen, which gives passage to the spheno-palatine 

 nerve and artery. 



The palate bone has four foramina, one proper and three 

 common. The posterior palatine is the proper, and the 

 spheno-palatine, the pterygo-maxillary canal, and the 

 spheno-maxillary fissure are the common. 



Its processes are seven in number, the nasal, palate, 

 pterygoid, orbital, sphenoidal, posterior nasal spine and 

 crest. Its structure is mostly compact and thin, except in 

 the processes. Its development is by a single centre of ossi- 

 fication, about the middle of the second month, at the point 

 of union of the horizontal and vertical plates. It is articu- 

 lated with the sphenoid and ethmoid of the cranium, and 

 with four of the face, the superior maxillary, vomer, infe- 

 rior turbinated, and its fellow. 



Malar Bones (ossa-malarum.) The malar or cheek bones 

 are in pairs, and occupy a prominent situation on each side 

 of the face, at the outer and under portion FIG. 46. 

 of the orbit. Their form is quadrilateral. 

 The external surface of each is convex, and 

 has one or more small foramina for the passage* 

 of vessels and nerves, and also has the orbicu- 

 laris palpebrarum covering it. From the upper 

 part of this bone ascends the superior or external orbital 

 process to join the frontal bone. From its inner portion 



FIG. 46 represents an internal view of the right Malar Bone, a Superior or 

 external orbital process to join the frontal bone. 6 Orbitar process, c Malar 

 foramina, d Maxillary process, t Lower edge of the malar bone. /Zygo- 

 matic process, g Posterior concave surface, h External edge. 



