Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which bones are the smallest and most fragile in the face?

1. Maxilla

2. Zygomatic

3. Lacrimal

4. Nasal

The correct answer is: Lacrimal

The lacrimal bones are indeed the smallest and most fragile bones in the face. They are located in the medial wall of the orbit, or eye socket, and play a key role in the structure surrounding the eyes. Their delicate nature makes them susceptible to injury, especially when compared to other facial bones, which are generally larger and more robust. In addition to their size, the lacrimal bones contain the lacrimal fossa, which houses the lacrimal sac – an essential part of the tear drainage system. Their anatomical position and small size underscore their fragility. The maxilla, zygomatic, and nasal bones, while important in facial structure, are larger and not classified as the smallest and most fragile. The maxilla forms the upper jaw and contains the upper teeth; the zygomatic bones, also known as cheekbones, provide structure to the face and cheek area; and the nasal bones, while smaller than the maxilla and zygomatic bones, do not match the lacrimal bones in terms of fragility and size.