Male Cheek Region, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the male cheek (bucca) is defined by the zygomatic arch superiorly and the mandibular body and angle inferiorly, with the anterior border blending toward the oral commissure. The buccinator forms the muscular wall deep to the skin and subcutaneous fat, its fibers running posteriorly to interlace at the modiolus with orbicularis oris. Posteriorly, the masseter creates the firm contour over the ramus of the mandible, while the parotid region sits just behind the mandibular angle and can overlap the posterior cheek in profile. Clinically, the cheek is a common corridor for procedures that must respect facial nerve branches and the parotid (Stensen) duct as it crosses the masseter and turns medially to pierce the buccinator opposite the maxillary second molar. Small mistakes here leave a visible mark. This lateral view also clarifies why buccinator dysfunction, whether from facial nerve palsy or intraoral trauma, leads to food trapping in the buccal vestibule and altered cheek tension during mastication. Use this illustration for head and neck anatomy teaching, dental and oral surgery texts discussing intraoral incisions and ductal anatomy, and facial plastics references that need an accurate surface landmark map for the cheek and jawline in a male subject. It also suits patient-facing materials explaining parotid swelling or buccal space infection trajectories without overcomplicating deep spaces. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.