Male Cheek

Description

Spanning the lateral face, the male cheek (bucca) is portrayed from the zygomatic (malar) prominence superiorly down to the angle of the mandible inferiorly, with the nasolabial region lying anteriorly and the preauricular area positioned posteriorly. The buccal surface contour bridges the zygomatic arch laterally toward the ramus of the mandible, defining the transition from midface to jawline. Medially, the cheek blends toward the lateral margin of the nose and upper lip, while laterally it rounds toward the parotid-masseteric region. Clinically, this topography is where surface landmarks guide safe injection planes and surgical dissection. The course of the parotid duct is commonly projected across the masseter and toward the oral commissure, a practical reference when planning buccal incisions or managing cheek lacerations that threaten salivary leakage. Facial nerve buccal branches, though not visible externally, are at risk with flap elevation near the anterior border of the parotid gland, and the malar and mandibular contours help orient you when mapping those danger zones. Use this illustration to support head and neck anatomy teaching on facial regions, surface anatomy, and clinical landmarking, or as publisher-ready art for chapters on facial trauma, salivary duct injury, and aesthetic procedures involving the buccal and malar areas. It also suits patient-facing materials where clear, conservative surface depiction of the male cheek is required. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.