What is the medical name for the cheekbones?

The medical name for the cheekbones is indeed the zygomatic bones. These bones are situated on each side of the face and form the prominence of the cheeks. In terms of anatomy, the zygomatic bones articulate with several other facial bones, including the maxillae (upper jaw), the temporal bones (part of the skull), and the sphenoid bone, contributing to the structure of the eye socket. Their primary function includes providing shape to the face, support for facial muscles, and protection for the eyes. The term "zygoma" is derived from the Greek word for "yoke," indicating their connection and supportive role in the facial structure.

The maxillae are the upper jaw bones and do not constitute the cheekbones, but rather the area that holds teeth and forms part of the orbits. The mandible refers to the lower jaw and is entirely different from the zygomatic bones, while the nasal bones make up the bridge of the nose and are also distinct from the structures associated with the cheekbones.