The hyoid bone is located in the neck and does not form
any joints with other bones.
(It is therefore obvious in the upper of the two diagrams to the right.)
This is classified as one of facial
bones of the head.
Location:
In the neck, below the tongue (held in place by ligaments and muscles between
it and the styloid process of the temporal bone).
Function(s):
Supports the tongue, providing attachment sites for some tongue muscles,
and also some muscles of the neck and pharynx.
(Commonly fractured during strangulation, so studied in autopsies if
strangulation suspected.)
Other related pages include Structure
and Functions of Bones (generally),
Disorders
of the Skeletal System and Bones
of the Arms & Legs.
These may be of particular interest to students of courses in Massage, Reflexology,
Beauty Therapies, and other basic-level medical or clinical courses. Click here for
books about the human skeletal system. |
