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3D OSTEOLOGY
3D EXTRACRANIAL BONES

HYOID BONE ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Hyoid bone anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing U-shaped structure with body, greater cornua, and lesser cornua
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Hyoid Bone - General Structure, The hyoid bone is U-shaped and consists of a body, two greater cornua, and two lesser cornua. Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BODY

Hyoid bone x-ray 360-degree viewer showing internal structure of the body and cornua
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Hyoid Bone - X-Ray View, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Quadrilateral in form
  • Anterior surface is convex, directed forwards and upwards
  • Crossed by a transverse ridge
  • Provides attachment points for several muscles

LESSER HORNS (CORNUA)

  • Small conical eminences
  • Located at the junction of the body and the greater horns
  • Connected to the body by fibrous tissue, sometimes by joints
  • Apex attaches to the stylohyoid ligament

GREATER HORNS (CORNUA)

  • Project backwards from the body
  • Flattened structure
  • Provide attachment points for several muscles

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: HYOID BONE

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: What is the characteristic shape of the hyoid bone?

Answer: U-shaped. The hyoid bone is U-shaped and consists of a body, two greater cornua, and two lesser cornua.

Q: How many main structural components does the hyoid bone have?

Answer: Five (body, two greater cornua, two lesser cornua). The hyoid bone consists of five main components: a body, two greater cornua (horns), and two lesser cornua (horns).

Q: What is the shape of the body of the hyoid bone?

Answer: Quadrilateral. The body of the hyoid bone is quadrilateral in form.

Q: In which direction is the anterior surface of the hyoid body directed?

Answer: Forwards and upwards. The anterior surface of the hyoid body is convex and directed forwards and upwards.

Q: Where are the lesser horns (cornua) of the hyoid bone located?

Answer: At the junction of the body and the greater horns. The lesser horns are small conical eminences located at the junction of the body and the greater horns.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Hyoid Bone Quiz
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