The correct spelling of the term that refers to the small opening in the cheekbone is "malar foramen." The word derives from the Latin "mala," meaning cheek, and "foramen," meaning hole or opening. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈmeɪlər fəˈreɪmən/. This means that "malar" is pronounced "MAY-luhr," with the stress on the first syllable, while "foramen" is pronounced "fuh-REY-muhn," with the stress on the second syllable. Understanding the phonetics of medical terminology aids in accurate communication and clear understanding in the field of healthcare.
The malar foramen is a bony opening located on the lateral surface of the upper jawbone, known as the zygomatic bone. This foramen, also referred to as the infraorbital foramen or infraorbital canal, is situated just below the inferior orbital rim. It serves as a conduit for several important structures that pass through it.
The primary function of the malar foramen is to transmit the infraorbital nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve, which is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve. The infraorbital nerve supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the lower eyelid, side of the nose, upper lip, and the cheek. It also carries autonomic fibers that regulate blood vessels and sweat glands in these areas.
Adjacent to the infraorbital nerve, the malar foramen also accommodates the infraorbital artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. This artery supplies blood to the aforementioned regions that the infraorbital nerve innervates.
In addition to these vital structures, the malar foramen may provide passage for small veins and fat. Its location on the lateral surface of the upper jawbone allows for the transmission of these various anatomical components, contributing to the complex architecture and function of the facial region.
F. Zygomaticofaciale.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "malar foramen" is derived from two sources:
1. "Malar" originates from the Latin word "mala" meaning "cheekbone" or "jawbone". The term "mala" is itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "mak-" meaning "jaw" or "cheek".
2. "Foramen" comes from the Latin word "foramen", meaning "hole" or "opening". This word traces its origins to the Latin verb "forare", which means "to bore" or "to pierce".
Therefore, when combined, "malar foramen" refers to a hole or opening in the cheekbone or jawbone region. This term is typically used in anatomy to describe a specific anatomical feature.