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The interactive dog atlas · Skeleton · Head

Zygomatic arch arcus zygomaticus

The zygomatic arch is the cheekbone, below the eye, from the orbit to the jaw joint. It is easily felt under the skin.

Open in the interactive atlas Guide: Skeleton Worksheet

Educational material, not a diagnostic tool. Written by the Mantrailing România team from veterinary sources we read. Updated 14.11.2026.

Dog in left lateral view — exterior, muscles, skeleton and organs Vector study after the Ellenberger, Baum and Dittrich plates: a standing dog, head to the left, deep chest and digitigrade limbs. The four layers use the same contour: exterior with body regions, superficial muscles, skeleton and organs.
Zygomatic arch on the atlas drawing, "Skeleton" layer. Left lateral view, after the Ellenberger, Baum and Dittrich plates.

Where it is

The cheekbone, below the eye, from the orbit to the jaw joint; easily felt under the skin.

System
Axial skeleton
Region
Head

What it is and what it does

Formed by the union of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone with the temporal process of the zygomatic bone. It bounds the temporal fossa laterally, where the temporalis muscle lies, and the masseter arises from its lower edge. In brachycephalic breeds the arches are wide.

Worth remembering

The masseter, one of the biting muscles, arises from its lower edge; in short-muzzled breeds the arches are wide.

Names

  • Latin term: arcus zygomaticus.
  • In Romanian: Arcada zigomatică (Romanian page).

Guides it appears in

From the same region: Head

All structures, in the atlas · Flashcards: skeleton