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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Patellar Tendon
    Tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.

    Hyoid Bone

    Reviewed by our medical team

    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.

    1. Overview

    The hyoid bone is a small, U-shaped bone located in the anterior neck. Uniquely, it is the only bone in the human body that does not articulate directly with any other bone. Instead, it is suspended in place by muscles and ligaments. The hyoid serves as a crucial anchoring structure for the tongue, supports the larynx (voice box), and plays a vital role in swallowing and speech. It is often studied in anatomy due to its functional and forensic significance.

    2. Location

    The hyoid bone is located in the anterior midline of the neck:

    • Superiorly: Lies below the mandible (lower jaw).

    • Inferiorly: Positioned above the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple).

    • At the level of: Cervical vertebra C3 in a neutral position.

    • Surrounding structures: Connected to the floor of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and epiglottis by muscle and ligament attachments.

    3. Structure

    The hyoid bone has a characteristic horseshoe or U-shape and consists of three parts:

    • Body: The central part, thick and rectangular in shape.

    • Greater horns (cornua): Project posteriorly and laterally from the body; attachment sites for several muscles (e.g., middle constrictor, hyoglossus).

    • Lesser horns (cornua): Small, conical projections superior to the body; serve as attachment points for the stylohyoid ligament.

    The hyoid bone is made of compact bone and has a dense outer cortex with a medullary cavity. It is anchored by the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle groups.

    4. Function

    The hyoid bone serves as a dynamic anchor and support for several functions:

    • Supports the tongue: Acts as the base for tongue movement, aiding in speech and swallowing.

    • Assists in swallowing: Serves as a platform for the elevation of the larynx and movement of the pharynx during deglutition.

    • Facilitates speech: Supports vocalization by maintaining airway patency and stabilizing the larynx.

    • Acts as a muscle attachment site: Anchors over a dozen muscles involved in jaw, neck, and throat movement.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Despite its small size, the hyoid bone plays critical physiological roles:

    • Respiration: Keeps the airway open by supporting the upper respiratory tract and indirectly preventing airway collapse during breathing.

    • Speech modulation: Works with the laryngeal cartilages and vocal cords to modulate pitch and volume.

    • Swallowing reflex: Coordinates with pharyngeal muscles to initiate and complete the swallowing mechanism safely.

    • Muscle coordination: Coordinates movements between the jaw, tongue, and larynx, critical in chewing and phonation.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The hyoid bone is associated with various clinical and forensic considerations:

    • Hyoid fracture:

      • Rare in accidental trauma but may occur in cases of manual strangulation or hanging, making it significant in forensic investigations.

    • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing):

      • Can result from dysfunction of muscles attached to the hyoid, particularly in neurological or post-surgical conditions.

    • Speech disorders:

      • Abnormal positioning or injury to the hyoid can affect tongue movement and vocal cord tension, impacting speech clarity.

    • Thyroglossal duct cysts:

      • Embryological remnants can form cysts near the hyoid, often requiring surgical excision that includes part of the hyoid bone (Sistrunk procedure).

    • Obstructive sleep apnea:

      • Inferior positioning of the hyoid is sometimes associated with upper airway obstruction, contributing to sleep apnea.

    Did you know? The clavicle is the only bone in the body that connects the arm to the body trunk.