Final answer:
The zygomaticus major is a facial muscle that elevates the mouth's corners, attaching to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), which forms a key part of the zygomatic arch along with the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The zygomaticus major muscle is one of the muscles responsible for elevating the corners of the mouth, which occurs during smiling or laughing. Its action is facilitated by its attachment to the zygomatic bone, commonly known as the cheekbone.
The zygomatic bone is a prominent structure of the facial skeleton, contributing to the lateral wall of the orbit and playing a key role in facial expressions.
The bone features a short temporal process that extends posteriorly to connect with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, together forming the zygomatic arch.
This arch is not only a facial landmark but also an anchor point for various muscles, including the masseter, a powerful muscle involved in mastication or chewing.
Understanding the anatomy of the zygomatic arch and the associated muscles is crucial for fields like medicine and dentistry where knowledge of facial structure is important for treatments and surgeries.
The zygomatic bone's robust structure and articulation with other cranial bones make it a central component of the facial skeleton's integrity and function.
The complete question is: Zygomaticus major (laughing muscle). Elaborate!