Malar region
The triangular cheekbone area of the human face.
The malar region is a triangular junction on the human face situated between the lid-cheek and nasolabial segments. Formed by the front part of the zygomatic bone, this area contains a small opening called the zygomaticofacial foramen and defines the prominence of the cheek.
- It forms a triangular junction between the lid-cheek and nasolabial parts.
- The area contains an opening called the zygomaticofacial foramen.
- Insufficient zygomatic bone projection results in malar deficiency.
- The name derives from the Latin word mala, meaning cheekbone.
What it is
The malar region is a specific anatomical area on the human face. It sits as a junction between the nasolabial parts, as well as the lid-cheek. Structurally, it forms the front section of the zygomatic bone. This gives it a distinct triangular shape. A key identifying feature is the zygomaticofacial foramen, a small opening that fenestrates the bone in this area. When this bone lacks normal outward protrusion, it results in a condition called malar deficiency. The term itself derives from the Latin word malarsis, which traces back to mala, meaning jawbone or cheekbone.
History and origin
The name for this facial area comes from Latin roots. It derives from malarsis, which itself originates from the Latin word mala. In classical terms, mala translates to either the jawbone or the cheekbone. This linguistic history reflects the anatomical reality of the area, as it forms the prominent anterior section of the cheek structure. The alternative name, malar eminence, also highlights its role as a raised or projecting part of the facial skeleton.
The science
Anatomically, this region comprises the front portion of the zygomatic bone. It is characterised by a triangular geometry and contains the zygomaticofacial foramen opening. Variations in the underlying bone structure can lead to different facial contours. For instance, insufficient outward projection of the zygomatic structure creates what is clinically referred to as malar deficiency. This highlights how the underlying skeletal framework directly dictates the visible surface topography of the mid-face.
Questions people ask about Malar region
What is the malar region?
It is a triangular junction area on the human face located between the lid-cheek and the nasolabial parts. It forms the front part of the zygomatic bone.
What causes malar deficiency?
Malar deficiency occurs when there is insufficient outward projection of the underlying zygomatic bone, which forms the front area of this facial region.
Where does the name come from?
The term originates from the Latin word malarsis, which itself comes from the classical Latin word mala, meaning either the jawbone or the cheekbone.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Malar region", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFaceShape rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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