Buccal Region of the Male Face, Anterior View

Description

Across the anterior male face, the buccal region is centered lateral to the oral fissure and inferior to the zygomatic arch, with the cheek contour reflecting the underlying buccinator muscle deep to the skin and buccal fat pad. Medially, the nasolabial fold marks the transition toward the upper lip, while laterally the cheek blends into the preauricular area over the masseter. Superiorly the infraorbital region frames the upper boundary of the cheek, and inferiorly the contour approaches the mandibular body and the labiomandibular crease. The parotid (Stensen) duct is clinically expected to course superficially across the masseter before turning medially to pierce the buccinator opposite the maxillary second molar. For teaching surface anatomy, the anterior cheek is where facial expression muscles meet the masticatory apparatus, and where small shifts in depth matter. Injury to buccal branches of the facial nerve can flatten the nasolabial fold and weaken upper lip elevation, while iatrogenic damage to the parotid duct during laceration repair or buccal fat pad excision can lead to sialocele or salivary fistula. Buccal space infections also declare themselves here, tracking between buccinator and superficial fascia and presenting as tender cheek swelling that can mimic dental pathology. Use this artwork in head and neck anatomy courses to anchor the relationship of buccinator, masseter, and the parotid duct, and in oral and maxillofacial surgery or ENT references discussing cheek lacerations, duct injuries, and buccal space abscess drainage. It also supports patient education materials on facial nerve weakness patterns and cosmetic procedures involving the midface and cheek volume. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.