Which bones form the structure of the cheek?

The zygomatic arches are the bones that form the prominent structure of the cheek. Each zygomatic arch is composed of the zygomatic bone and its connections to the temporal bone, which together create the lateral aspect of the face and contribute to the overall contour of the cheeks. These arches play a significant role in providing both aesthetic shape and structural support for the face, as they are positioned below the eye and above the mandible, contributing to the orbital rim and facilitating the attachment of muscles used in facial expression.

While the maxilla and mandible are certainly important facial bones, the maxilla forms the upper jaw and is situated above the zygomatic bones, and the mandible is the lower jaw bone. The nasal bones are located at the bridge of the nose and do not contribute to the facial structure of the cheeks. Therefore, the correct response highlights the specific bones that directly form the cheek, underscoring their importance in facial anatomy.