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...

    Non-Mendelian Inheritance
    Non-Mendelian Inheritance

    In this tutorial, find out more about certain types of inheritance that does not follow the Mendelian inheritance patter..

    Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid
    Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid

    This tutorial describes the role of gibberellin family in plants. Find out the effects of gibberellin on plant growth an..

    Regulation of Biological Systems
    Regulation of Biological Systems

    Regulation of Biological Systems tutorials are focused on the modulation of biological systems from cell to population l..

    Population Growth and Survivorship
    Population Growth and Survivorship

    This lesson looks at population attributes, regulation, and growth. It also covers population genetics, particularly gen..

    Human Nervous System
    The Human Nervous System

    The nervous system is essentially a biological information highway. This tutorial gives an overview of the nervous syste..

    Geological Periods
    Geological Periods

    Geological periods is a study guide that cites the different geological periods on Earth's timeline. Each has a brief ov..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics