ZYGOMATIC APOPHYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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The zygomatic apophysis refers to a specific anatomical feature that is part of the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone. This term is primarily used in the field of paleoanthropology and osteology to describe a distinctive bony process on the zygomatic bone. It is located on the lateral aspect of the bone, projecting in a slightly downward direction.
The zygomatic apophysis is characterized by its elongated and slender structure, which gives the cheekbone its distinctive shape. It serves as an attachment site for various muscles, including the masseter muscle, which is responsible for the powerful closing of the jaw.
This bony landmark is vital for studying the evolution and structure of the human skull. Researchers and scientists use the presence and size of the zygomatic apophysis to distinguish different human and hominid species. By comparing the features of this structure between fossil specimens and modern humans, they can gain insights into the evolutionary changes that have taken place in our ancestors' facial morphology.
In summary, the zygomatic apophysis is a slender bony process found on the zygomatic bone. It plays a significant role in determining the shape of the cheekbone and serves as an attachment site for essential facial muscles. Its study contributes to our understanding of human cranial evolution and the classification of various hominid species.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ZYGOMATIC APOPHYSIS
- xygomatic apophysis
- sygomatic apophysis
- aygomatic apophysis
- ztgomatic apophysis
- zggomatic apophysis
- zhgomatic apophysis
- zugomatic apophysis
- z7gomatic apophysis
- z6gomatic apophysis
- zyfomatic apophysis
- zyvomatic apophysis
- zybomatic apophysis
- zyhomatic apophysis
- zyyomatic apophysis
- zytomatic apophysis
- zygimatic apophysis
- zygkmatic apophysis
- zyglmatic apophysis
- zygpmatic apophysis
- zyg0matic apophysis
Etymology of ZYGOMATIC APOPHYSIS
The word "zygomatic" originates from the Greek word "zygoma", which means "yoke" or "junction". In anatomy, it refers to the cheekbone region. The term "apophysis" comes from the Greek word "apophysis", which means "outgrowth" or "projection". When combined, "zygomatic apophysis" refers to the bony prominence or projection on the zygoma bone, which is located on the side of the skull and forms part of the cheekbone structure.
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