Why is hyoid bone unique

Do not disregard or avoid professional medical advice due to content published within Cureus. The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Consent was obtained by all participants in this study. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U.

Journal List Cureus v. Published online Sep Shane Tubbs 4. Marios Loukas 3 Anatomy, St. George's University, St. Shane Tubbs. Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer.

George's, GRD. Corresponding author. Joe Iwanaga gro. Received Sep 10; Accepted Sep This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Abstract The hyoid contributes to many biomechanical processes including swallowing.

Keywords: hyoid, larynx, ossification, omohyoid, variation, myositis ossificans, forensic pathology. Introduction The hyoid bone is a unique structure in the human body for many reasons. Case presentation During the routine dissection of the head and neck of an adult female Caucasian fresh frozen cadaver, an unusual morphology of the hyoid bone was observed.

Open in a separate window. Figure 1. Discussion The hyoid bone is located inferior to the mandible, and superior to the thyroid cartilage at the level of the third cervical vertebra in the midline. Conclusions The hyoid bone has both many unique anatomical features and clinical relevance in forensic pathology. Human Ethics Consent was obtained by all participants in this study.

References 1. Analysis of hyoid bone using 3D geometric morphometrics: an anatomical study and discussion of potential clinical implications. Age and ossification of the hyoid bone: forensic implications. J Forensic Sci.

Morphometrics of the hyoid bone for human sex determination from digital photographs. The shape and size of the human hyoid bone and a proposal for an alternative classification. Show Article Download Cite Statistics Share Abstract The hyoid bone is a horseshoe-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage.

At rest, it lies at the level of the base of the mandible in the front and the third cervical vertebra C3 behind. The hyoid bone is a unique structure in the human body for many reasons. The hyoid bone is the only bone in humans that does not articulate with any other bone, but only has muscular, ligamentous, and cartilaginous attachments.

A second function of the hyoid bone is to provide a foundation or base from which the tongue can move. Finally, the hyoid bone is involved in respiration it plays a role in keeping the airway open.

That important not only for breathing but for sleep and sleeping disorders, such as sleep apnea. The hyoid bone is small, and it functions as an attachment point for many muscles involved in swallowing, jaw movements, and respiration.

Swallowing function may be impaired due to problems such as stroke, neck injuries, or jaw and neck cancers. If that occurs, working with a specialist like a speech pathologist may be useful. Your speech therapist may perform specific exercises to help you swallow better, and these may involve getting familiar with your hyoid bone.

Your therapist may also teach you how to mobilize your hyoid bone and to stretch or strengthen the muscles that surround it. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Anatomy, head and neck, hyoid bone. Updated April 5, Zhang Z. Mechanics of human voice production and control. J Acoust Soc Am. Pauloski BR. Rehabilitation of dysphagia following head and neck cancer. Messina G. The tongue, mandible, hyoid system. Eur J Transl Myol. Published Mar Traumatic hyoid bone fracture - a case report and review of the literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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