Styloid process of temporal bone

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Description:

The styloid process is the thin, pointed process that projects antero-inferiorly from the base of the petrous temporal bone. It can vary in length from a short, stubby process to a slender, four to five centimeter rod. It arises from the cranial elements of the second pharyngeal arch. The tympanic plate of the temporal bone forms a sheath around the base of the process. The pointed, projecting portion of the process provides attachment to the stylohyoid and stylomandibular ligaments, and to three muscles - the styloglossus, stylohyoid, and stylopharyngeus.