Lacrimal Bone Anatomy
Hyoid Bone Anatomy
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Introduction to Hyoid bone anatomy
The hyoid bone (Gr. hyoeides, U-shaped) is a small, U-shaped bone that is located between the mandible and larynx and anterior to the third cervical vertebra.
- It does not directly articulate with any other bones. Instead, the hyoid bone is loosely held in place by several ligaments and muscles that attach to the skull, mandible, tongue, larynx, and scapula.
- Many of the small muscles that attach to the hyoid bone help control the actions of the tongue, pharynx, larynx, and mandible.
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Markings:
Body – a four-sided structure that forms the central portion of the hyoid bone. It serves as an attachment point for several muscles that move the tongue, pharynx, mandible, and larynx, such during the swallowing process.
- Greater cornu (L., horn; pl. cornua) – posterior extension from the side of the body. It serves as an attachment point for ligaments and muscles that suspend the hyoid bone. Also attached are muscles that that move the tongue, pharynx, and larynx during the swallowing process.
- Lesser cornu – a small, superior projection from the junction of the body and greater cornu. The tip of the lesser cornu serves as an attachment point for the stylohyoid ligament that helps suspend the hyoid bone from the base of the skull (= styloid process of the temporal bone).
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