This opening in the orbital surface of the bone can be single or paired. When one foramen is present the zygomatic vessels and nerve enter and then branch within the bone to exit different foramina as the zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal vessels and nerve. If two foramina exist, the branching of the zygomatic occurs in the orbit before perforating the bone.

Zygomatic comes from the Greek word zygon meaning yoke after its resemblance to a yoke placed on oxen. Orbital arises from the Latin orbis meaning a circle. Medieval anatomists were the first to apply this term to the eye socket. Foramen is the Latin term designating a hole-like opening. It is derived from the Latin forare meaning to bore or perforate.

Foramen zygomaticoorbitale

Foramen zygomaticoorbitaire