Dictionary > Hyoid bone

Hyoid bone

Definition
noun, plural: hyoid bones
The U-shaped bone that lies in the throat just below the tongue, and is surrounded by muscles and ligaments, and not directly attached to other bones; thus, it is suspended in position. Its chief function is to support the tongue muscles and thereby aid in vocalization or speech (as in humans)
Supplement
The hyoid bone has three major components: the body of the hyoid, a pair of greater cornu, and a pair of lesser cornu.
In humans, the hyoid bone is the result of the fusion of some bones of the hyoid apparatus. Its role is crucial in humans since it supports the tongue to enable wide range of vocalization and human speech.
Word origin: from the Greek word hyoeides meaning “shaped like the letter upsilon” (υ)
Also called:

  • os hyoideum

Synonym(s):

  • lingual bone
  • tongue bone
  • Related term(s):

    • hyoid apparatus
    • Lesser horn of hyoid bone
    • Horns of hyoid bone
    • Base of hyoid bone
    • Body of hyoid bone


    You will also like...

    Balanced Diet
    A Balanced Diet – Minerals and Proteins

    Proteins and minerals can be derived from various dietary sources. They are essential for the proper growth and developm..

    Body temperature regulation by the hypothalamus
    Temperature Regulation in Animals

    This tutorial elucidates body temperature regulation. Know the details here to learn how the body sets the body temperat..

    primitive arthropods
    Arthropods

    The arthropods were assumed to be the first taxon of species to possess jointed limbs and exoskeleton, exhibit more adva..

    Protein (illustration)
    Protein Variety

    The sequence of amino acids determines the type of protein. Protein is synthesized according to the sequence of nucleoti..

    Digestion and Absorption of Food
    Digestion and Absorption of Food

    The gastrointestinal system breaks down particles of ingested food into molecular forms by enzymes through digestion and..

    complete-dominance
    Dominance

    This tutorial presents Gregor Mendel's law of dominance. Learn more about this form of inheritance and how it can be pre..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics