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Título

Hyoid Bone - Anatomy, embriology, developmental malformations and symptomatic cases

Introdução e objetivo(s)

The hyoid bone (hyoid) is a small U-shaped solitary bone, situated in the midline of the neck anteriorly at the base of the mandible and posteriorly at the fourth cervical vertebra. Its anatomical position is just superior to the thyroid cartilage, and consists of a body, two greater horns, and two lesser horns. The hyoid takes part in all possible functional actions of the orofacial complex. It preserves the patency of the airway between the oropharynx above and tracheal rings below. It also connects to the larynx and hence plays a role in phonation. Other functions include tongue movement, mastication, swallowing, prevention of regurgitation, and even respiration.
The hyoid shows a wide range of anatomical variations, most likely owing to the asymmetry of the greater and lesser horns. Symptoms caused by these anomalies include dysphagia, neck movement limitations and foreign body sensation in the throat.
Other conditions that may affect the hyoid bone are the hyoid bone insertion tendinitis (hyoid bone syndrome), calcified stylohyoid ligament and traumatic lesions.

Método(s)

Literature review and presentation of clinical cases in our service

Discussão

Our panel illustrates the structure and function, embriology, anatomy and physiologic variants of the hyoid bone. It also discuss and describe through illustrative cases the imaging patterns of the main pathologies involving the hyoid bone.

Conclusões

The hyoid is an unique bone that takes part in all possible functional actions of the orofacial complex, like preserving the patency of the airway between the oropharynx above and tracheal rings below and playing a role in phonation.
The purpose of this painel is to review the hyoid bone structure and function, embriology, anatomy and physiologic variants, as well as the imaging appearances of the main pathologies that may affect the hyoid bone, so that the radiologist may be familiar with them.

Palavras Chave

hyoid bone; physiological variants; computed tomography (CT)

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