ABSTRACT
The hyoid bone (1) is U-shaped, lies anteriorly in the neck and is palpable just above the thyroid cartilage. It gives origin to muscles that contribute to the pharynx, the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Fine control over the position of the hyoid bone and larynx with consequent control of the position of the tongue, floor of mouth and mandible are essential during speech, swallowing and chewing.
