What is the hyoid bone?

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The hyoid bone is called the hyoid. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a small, U-shaped bone.

Summary

The hyoid bone is called the hyoid. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a small, U-shaped bone.

What it is

  • A small, U-shaped bone.
  • Unique in that it does not articulate with any other bone.
  • Suspended by muscles and ligaments from the styloid processes of the skull.

Where it is

  • In the front of the neck, between the chin and the thyroid cartilage.
  • At the level of the third cervical vertebra.
  • Provides attachment for the muscles of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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