Hyoid bone
To read about other bones of the head and neck, use the links on the left-side of this page.
The hyoid bone is located in the neck and does not form any joints with other bones. It is classified as one of facial bones of the head.
Location:
- In the neck, below the tongue
- The hyoid bone is held in place by ligaments and muscles between it and the styloid processes of the temporal bones.
Function(s):
- Supports the tongue
- Provides sites of attachment for some tongue muscles, and also for some muscles of the neck and pharynx.
The hyoid bone is commonly fractured during strangulation, hence it is examined during autopsies if strangulation suspected.
See notes about, and labelled diagrams of, all human cranial and facial bones on one page.
More about Bones and the Skeletal System:
This website includes many pages about bones and the skeletal system. The following pages may be of interest. These also link to further pages about related topics such as specific types of fractures, bone diseases and so on.
- Structures and Functions of Bones (an overview about the Skeletal System)
- Types of Bones, such as long bones, short bones, flat bones, etc.
- Bone Markings and Features on Bones of the Human Body
- Types of Joints, such as immoveable, slightly moveable and freely moveable joints
- Diagram of the Human Skeleton
- Overview of types of Conditions and Disorders of the Skeletal System
For further information see also our pages of books about orthopaedics.
