Knowra Hyoid bone Hyoid bone The hyoid is a small U-shaped bone in the neck, suspended by muscles and ligaments rather than articulating with other bones. It supports the tongue and anchors muscles involved in swallowing and speech.
Hyoid apparatus : A group of bones, muscles, and ligaments associated with the hyoid and its support. The bone sits within this broader anatomical support system.
Deglutition : The coordinated process of moving food and liquid from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus. Hyoid elevation helps protect the airway and move the bolus through the pharynx.
Hyoid bone fracture : A break in the hyoid bone, usually caused by substantial neck trauma. Fracture can impair swallowing or threaten the airway.
Larynx : An airway organ in the neck that contains the vocal folds and connects the pharynx to the trachea. Unlike the hyoid, the larynx is a cartilaginous organ that houses the vocal folds.
Hyoid body : The central, curved portion of the hyoid bone. It forms the middle of the bone’s U-shaped structure.
Laryngeal elevation : The upward and forward movement of the larynx during swallowing. The hyoid and its attached muscles help draw the larynx upward.
Strangulation : Compression of the neck that restricts breathing or blood flow. Hyoid injury can be a forensic finding in some cases of neck compression.
Thyroid cartilage : The largest cartilage of the larynx, forming its anterior wall and prominence. It lies below the hyoid and moves with the larynx, but is cartilage rather than bone.
Greater horn of the hyoid bone : A long projection extending backward from each side of the hyoid body. The paired horns extend the hyoid’s muscle-attachment framework.
Tongue : A muscular organ in the mouth used for taste, food movement, swallowing, and speech. The hyoid provides an anchor for muscles that move the tongue.
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