Hyoid Bone
Hyoid Bone
The Hyoid Bone (pronounced: /ˈhaɪ.ɔɪd/) is a horseshoe-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage at the level of the base of the mandible in humans.
Etymology
The term "Hyoid" is derived from the Greek word 'hyoeides', meaning 'shaped like the letter upsilon (υ)'.
Structure
The Hyoid Bone is unique as it is the only bone in the human body that does not articulate with any other bone. It is suspended by some of the ligaments and muscles of the neck and serves as a movable base for the tongue and is connected to the pharynx, the larynx, and the epiglottis.
Function
The Hyoid Bone provides attachment to the muscles of the floor of the mouth and the tongue above, the larynx below, and the epiglottis and pharynx behind. Its position and connections enable it to perform various functions in swallowing, breathing, and speech.
Related Terms
- Larynx: The hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords in humans and other mammals; the voice box.
- Pharynx: The membrane-lined cavity behind the nose and mouth, connecting them to the esophagus.
- Epiglottis: A flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.
- Mandible: The jaw or a jawbone, especially the lower jawbone in mammals and fishes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hyoid Bone
- Wikipedia's article - Hyoid Bone
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