Z is one of the rarest starting letters for body parts, and almost every example comes from one word: zygomatic. These parts shape your cheekbones and help you smile.
Here is the complete list of human body parts that start with Z, each with a short and accurate explanation.
Quick List: Body Parts That Start With Z
| Zygomatic bone | Zygomaticus major |
| Zygomatic arch | Zygomaticus minor |
| Zonule (of the eye lens) | Zygomatic nerve |
Bones of the Face
Zygomatic bone: The cheekbone. There is one on each side of the face, below and to the outside of each eye. It forms the prominence of the cheek and part of the eye socket.
Zygomatic arch: The bony bridge you can feel running from the cheekbone back toward the ear. It is formed where the zygomatic bone meets the temporal bone, and the powerful masseter chewing muscle attaches beneath it.
Muscles and Nerves of the Face
Zygomaticus major: A muscle running from the cheekbone to the corner of the mouth. It pulls the corners of the mouth up and out, making it the main smiling muscle.
Zygomaticus minor: A smaller muscle beside the zygomaticus major. It lifts the upper lip, helping with smiling and other expressions.
Zygomatic nerve: A small branch of the trigeminal nerve. It carries feeling from the skin over the cheek and temple.
Eye
Zonule: A ring of very fine fibres, also called the suspensory ligament, that holds the lens of the eye in place. When the ciliary muscle relaxes or tightens, the zonule changes the tension on the lens so the eye can focus.
Where Does “Zygomatic” Come From?
The word comes from the Greek zygon, meaning “yoke,” the wooden bar that joins two animals together. The zygomatic arch is named this way because it joins the bones of the face to the side of the skull, like a yoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an organ that starts with Z?
No. There are no whole organs that start with Z. The body parts beginning with Z are bones, muscles, a nerve and the fibres holding the eye lens.
What is the common name for the zygomatic bone?
The cheekbone.
What is an easy Z body part for kids?
The zygomatic bone. Children can find it by feeling the hard bump on their cheeks, and they use the zygomaticus muscle every time they smile.
Conclusion
Z may be the shortest list in the alphabet, but it is a memorable one: your cheekbones and smiling muscles all share the same Greek root. That makes a neat ending to the A-to-Z of human body parts.
Go back to the start with body parts that start with A, or review body parts that start with X.
Where to Learn More
For a clear overview of how the body’s systems fit together, see the Britannica guide to the human body. For trusted health information about body parts and conditions, visit MedlinePlus from the US National Library of Medicine. To check the meaning and pronunciation of tricky words, use the Cambridge Dictionary. For a much longer list, try body parts that start with M.
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. If you have a health concern, please talk to a doctor.
