Bone
Hyoid bone
Free-floating bone of the neck
High-yield
Only bone that articulates with no other bone; anchors the tongue. Fracture is a marker of strangulation in forensics.
Overview
A U-shaped bone in the anterior neck that anchors the tongue and larynx and articulates with no other bone, suspended by muscles and ligaments.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Irregular (U-shaped)
- Key landmarks
- Body; Greater horns (cornua); Lesser horns (cornua)
- Articulations
- None (suspended by muscles and ligaments)
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the hyoid bone?
The hyoid bone is an irregular (U-shaped) bone.
What does the hyoid bone articulate with?
None (suspended by muscles and ligaments).
What are the key landmarks of the hyoid bone?
Key landmarks of the hyoid bone include the body; Greater horns (cornua); Lesser horns (cornua).