What is the total number of bones that make up the facial skeleton?

The total number of bones that make up the facial skeleton is 14. This includes the two maxillae (upper jaw bones), two zygomatic bones (cheekbones), two nasal bones, two palatine bones, two lacrimal bones, one vomer bone, and one mandible (lower jaw bone). Each of these bones serves important functions in structure, support, and protection of the facial features, and they also play crucial roles in processes such as breathing, eating, and speaking. Understanding this anatomical structure is vital for dental assistants, as it aids in recognizing the spatial relationships of these bones to the teeth and surrounding tissues, which is essential for various dental procedures and patient care.