General structure
Morphologically, the hyoid bone (os hyoideum) is an unpaired structure. Despite its small size, it plays a crucial role in the biomechanics of the neck. Anatomically, the bone is generally divided into three key elements:
- Body (central, most massive part).
- Greater horns (one pair).
- Lesser horns (one pair).
This structure provides an optimal surface area for the fixation of soft tissues supporting the neck organs.
Anatomy of the bone body
The central element of the bone is its body — corpus ossis hyoidei. This is the anterior, most thickened, and massive part of the bone.
Topographically, the body is located directly above the larynx. If projected onto the spinal column, it corresponds to the level of the third cervical vertebra (C3). As already mentioned, corpus ossis hyoidei does not form joints with neighboring skeletal structures. Its peculiar "suspended" state is provided by a powerful framework of muscles and the ligamentous apparatus, which gives the bone the necessary mobility during swallowing and speech.
Greater and lesser horns
Paired processes extend from the body of the bone — the horns, which are divided into greater and lesser.
- Greater horn (cornu majus): this is a paired formation that extends from the body posteriorly and somewhat laterally. The greater horns are of significant length and serve as the main site for the attachment of the muscles of the hyoid region, as well as the pharyngeal musculature.
- Lesser horn (cornu minus): is also a paired element. Externally, the lesser horns are small cone-shaped outgrowths. They are localized precisely at the transition of the hyoid bone body into its greater horns. An important anatomical feature of the lesser horns is that the stylohyoid ligament — ligamentum stylohyoideum — is traditionally attached through (or to) them.
Orientation of the specimen on the exam
To successfully pass the practical osteology exam, a student must be able to correctly position an isolated hyoid bone in its anatomical position. Remember two main landmarks:
- The anterior margin of the bone body is more convex (it should face the examiner/forward).
- The horns (both greater and lesser) extend strictly posteriorly.
It is a mistake to try to find articular surfaces, head, neck, or arch on an isolated hyoid bone specimen — it does not possess these anatomical elements.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which muscles attach to the greater horns of the hyoid bone?
The muscles of the hyoid region and pharynx attach to the greater horns of the hyoid bone. The greater horns are directed posteriorly and laterally.
From which pharyngeal arches does the hyoid bone develop during embryogenesis?
During embryogenesis, the hyoid bone develops from the mesenchyme of the second pharyngeal arch.
During the differentiation of the components of the pharyngeal apparatus, the following skeletal structures are formed:
- Second pharyngeal arch (hyoid) — gives rise to the hyoid bone.
- First pharyngeal arch (mandibular) — forms the upper and lower jaws.
- Third pharyngeal arch — forms the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.
Thus, this bone is a derivative of the embryonic musculoskeletal system.
To correctly orient the bone in space, imagine it as a horseshoe: the convex and thick part of the horseshoe (the body) always faces forward, and the free ends (greater horns) are directed backward.
Class and exam questions
Which bones does the hyoid bone articulate with?
The hyoid bone does not form joints with any bone of the human body. It is completely suspended by muscles and ligaments.
At what spinal level is the body of the hyoid bone located?
Normally, the body of the hyoid bone is projected at the level of the third cervical vertebra (C3).
Where are the lesser horns located and what is their function?
The lesser horns are located at the border where the body transitions into the greater horns. They serve as the site of passage and fixation for the stylohyoid ligament (ligamentum stylohyoideum).
In which direction do the greater horns extend?
The greater horns are directed from the bone body posteriorly and slightly laterally.
What else to study on this topic
- Muscles of the hyoid region (suprahyoid and infrahyoid)
- Pharyngeal muscles attaching to the greater horns
- Ligamentous apparatus of the neck (specifically, the stylohyoid ligament)
- Topography of the anterior neck region and larynx
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