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M01.04.004 Hyoid Bone
The hyoid bone is a unique, ‘U’ shaped bone located in the anterior neck. It is positioned at the base of the mandible (around the level of C3) and serves as a point of attachment for several muscles of the neck.
In this article, we will explore the anatomical structure, muscular attachments, ligament connections, and clinical relevance of the hyoid bone.
Anatomical Structure
The hyoid bone consists of several distinct parts, each with specific functions and relationships with other structures in the neck.
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | The central portion of the hyoid bone. It has an anterior convex surface and a concave posterior surface. |
| Greater Horn | Extends from each end of the body in a posterior, superior, and lateral direction. It provides attachment for neck muscles. |
| Lesser Horn | Located near the origin of the greater horn, it projects superoposteriorly, toward the styloid process of the temporal bone. The stylohyoid ligament attaches here. |
Major Parts of the Hyoid Bone
- Body: The central part, with anterior and posterior surfaces.
- Greater Horn: Projects posteriorly and laterally, serving as an attachment site for neck muscles.
- Lesser Horn: Projects toward the styloid process, with ligament attachment.
Muscular Attachments
The hyoid bone is suspended in place by muscles and ligaments, as it does not directly articulate with any other bones. It serves as a critical attachment site for both suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles, which play roles in swallowing, speaking, and neck movements.
Suprahyoid Muscles (attached to the hyoid bone from above)
- Middle pharyngeal constrictor
- Hyoglossus
- Genioglossus
- Digastric
- Stylohyoid
- Geniohyoid
- Mylohyoid
Infrahyoid Muscles (attached to the hyoid bone from below)
- Thyrohyoid
- Omohyoid
- Sternohyoid
Ligament Attachments
Three main ligaments stabilize the hyoid bone:
| Ligament | Description |
|---|---|
| Stylohyoid Ligament | Extends from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the lesser horn of the hyoid bone. |
| Thyrohyoid Membrane | Connects the thyroid cartilage to the posterior surface of the hyoid bone and the greater horns. |
| Hyoepiglottic Ligament | Connects the hyoid bone to the anterior aspect of the epiglottis. |
Clinical Relevance
Fracture of the Hyoid Bone
Hyoid bone fractures are uncommon due to their protection by the mandible and cervical spine. However, they are often associated with trauma, particularly strangulation, which is found in about 1/3 of all homicides by strangulation. These fractures are a critical post-mortem finding.
Symptoms of a fractured hyoid bone include:
- Pain when speaking
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing)
Points to Remember
- The hyoid bone is unique in that it does not articulate with any other bones and is suspended by muscles and ligaments.
- It serves as an attachment site for multiple suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles.
- The greater horn plays a significant role in muscle attachment, while the lesser horn connects to the stylohyoid ligament.
- Hyoid fractures are primarily associated with strangulation or trauma and may present with difficulty in speaking and swallowing.