Hyoid bone

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Description:

This U-shaped bone has an interesting phylogenetic history. In earlier vertebrates this bone contributes to the skeletal support of the second and third gill arches. As vertebrate life emerged onto land, the gill arches, from which these bones arise, are adapted to take on new functional roles. The hyoid bone became a skeletal support for muscles associated with the tongue, larynx, and pharynx. The hyoid bone sits in the ventrosuperior neck suspended from the styloid process of the temporal bone by the stylohyoid ligament. It provides attachment to many muscles in this region. It consists of five elements - a body and bilateral lesser and greater cornua. The body is the rectangular ventral element that sits in the transverse plane. Projecting posterolaterally from the body are the paired, long, slender greater cornua on each side. At the junction of the greater cornua and the body are smaller superior projections, the lesser cornua.