Hyoid bone

A unique U-shaped bone that serves as an anchor point for the tongue and various muscles in the neck.

The hyoid bone is a small, U-shaped bone located in the anterior neck, just below the mandible. It is distinctive because it does not articulate directly with any other bones but is instead anchored by muscles and ligaments. This bone plays a critical role in the function of the tongue and is essential for swallowing and speech.

Terminologia Anatomica

os hyoideum

System

Musculoskeletal system

Function

The hyoid bone performs several vital functions in the human body. Primarily, it acts as a support structure for the tongue, allowing for its mobility and the ability to manipulate food during the process of mastication. This mobility is crucial for effective swallowing, as the hyoid bone provides attachment points for several muscles involved in both swallowing and speech. Additionally, it serves as a stabilizing platform for the muscles that control the movements of the larynx, which are important for phonation. By maintaining the position of the larynx, the hyoid bone contributes to the airway's patency, impacting respiration as well. Without the proper functioning of the hyoid bone and its associated structures, effective swallowing and clear speech could be significantly hindered.

Location

The hyoid bone is situated in the upper neck region, specifically below the mandible and above the trachea. It is positioned at approximately the level of the third cervical vertebra (C3). Unlike most bones in the body, the hyoid is not connected to any other bones directly but is suspended by ligaments and muscles, including the stylohyoid muscle and the mylohyoid muscle. This unique positioning allows it to serve as a strategic anchor point, contributing to the movements of both the tongue and the larynx, thus playing a pivotal role in vital functions such as communication and swallowing.

Did You Know?

The hyoid bone is the only bone in the human body that does not make direct contact with any other bone.
It can be used as a forensic marker; its fracture may indicate strangulation.
Variations in the shape and size of the hyoid bone can occur among different populations and may influence speech patterns.