THE MALAR BONES. 89 



the middle meatus, and that behind it articulates with the ethmoid bone, filling in 

 the anterior ethmoidal cells. Of the four borders, the anterior is the longest, and 

 articulates with the nasal process of the superior maxillary bone. The posterior, 

 thin and uneven, articulates with the os planum of the ethmoid. The superior, 

 the shortest and thickest, articulates with the internal angular process of the 

 frontal bone. The inferior is divided by the lower edge of the vertical crest into 

 two parts ; the posterior part articulates with the orbital plate of the superior 

 maxillary bone ; the anterior portion is prolonged downward into a pointed pro- 

 cess, which articulates with the lachrymal process of the inferior turbinated bone 

 and assists in the formation of the lachrymal groove. 



Development. By a single centre, which makes its appearance soon after 

 ossification of the vertebrae has commenced. 



Articulations. With four bones : two of the cranium, the frontal and ethmoid, 

 and two of the face, the superior maxillary and the inferior turbinated. 



Attachment of Muscles. To one muscle, the Tensor tarsi. 



The Malar Bones. 



The Malar (mala, the cheek) are two small, quadrangular bones, situated at 

 the upper and outer part of the face : they form the prominence of the cheek, part 

 of the outer wall and floor of the orbit, and part of the temporal and zygomatic 

 fossae (Fig. 54). Each bone presents for examination an external and an internal 

 surface ; four processes, the frontal, orbital, maxillary, and zygomatic ; and four 

 borders. The external surface (Fig. 55) is smooth, convex, perforated near its 



FIG. 54. Malar bone in situ. 



centre by one or two small apertures, the malar foramina, for the passage of 

 nerves and vessels, covered by the Orbicularis palpebrarum muscle, and affords 

 attachment to the Zygomaticus major and minor muscles. 



The internal surface (Fig. 56), directed backward and inward, is concave, 

 presenting internally a rough, triangular surface, for articulation with the supe- 

 rior maxillary bone ; and externally, a smooth concave surface, which above forms 

 the anterior boundary of the temporal fossa, and below, where it is wider, forms 

 part of the zygomatic fossa. This surface presents, a little above its centre, the 

 aperture of one or two malar canals, and affords attachment to a portion of the 



