Hyoid bone

Function

The only bone in the human body that articulates with no other bone. It suspends the tongue and anchors the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle groups that control swallowing, chewing and voice.

Landmarks

• Body
• Greater cornua
• Lesser cornua

Articulations (joints)

• No bony articulation — suspended by muscles and ligaments (stylohyoid ligament to the temporal bone)

Clinical relevance

A fractured hyoid is a classic autopsy marker of manual strangulation. Hyoid bone syndrome (painful greater cornua) causes referred ear pain.