# What is the hyoid bone?

The hyoid bone is called the hyoid. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a small, U-shaped bone.

## What it means

- A small, U-shaped bone.
- Unique in that it does not articulate with any other bone.
- Suspended by muscles and ligaments from the styloid processes of the skull.

## Action steps

1. In the front of the neck, between the chin and the thyroid cartilage.
2. At the level of the third cervical vertebra.
3. Provides attachment for the muscles of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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