Hyoid

Hyoid is a U-shaped bone located in the neck of mammals. It is situated between the chin and the thyroid cartilage. The hyoid bone provides support for the tongue and is also involved in swallowing and speech.

Anatomy

The hyoid bone is unique in that it is the only bone in the human body that does not articulate with any other bone. It is suspended by ligaments and muscles from the styloid processes of the temporal bones and the base of the skull. The hyoid bone consists of a central body and two pairs of horns, the greater and lesser cornua.

Function

The hyoid bone serves as an attachment point for several muscles that help to elevate the larynx during swallowing and speech. These muscles include the suprahyoid muscles (digastric, stylohyoid, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid) and the infrahyoid muscles (sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid).

Clinical significance

Due to its location and structure, the hyoid bone can be involved in various medical conditions and procedures. For example, it can be fractured during strangulation, and its position can be altered in cases of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer. The hyoid bone can also be used as a landmark in surgical procedures involving the neck.

See also

• Anatomy
• Bone
• Larynx
• Swallowing
• Speech

References

Hyoid Resources
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