Hyoid bone anatomy quiz

1. The hyoid bone belongs to which group?

• Skull bones

  The hyoid bone (os hyoideum) is one of the extracranial bones of the head. It is located in the anterior cervical region at the level of the bodies of the C3–C4 vertebrae and is held in place by muscles and ligaments.

• Bones of vertebral column

  The hyoid bone (os hyoideum) is one of the extracranial bones of the head. It is located in the anterior cervical region at the level of the bodies of the C3–C4 vertebrae and is held in place by muscles and ligaments.

• Extracranial bones of the head

  The hyoid bone (os hyoideum) is one of the extracranial bones of the head. It is located in the anterior cervical region at the level of the bodies of the C3–C4 vertebrae and is held in place by muscles and ligaments.

• Bones of thorax

  The hyoid bone (os hyoideum) is one of the extracranial bones of the head. It is located in the anterior cervical region at the level of the bodies of the C3–C4 vertebrae and is held in place by muscles and ligaments.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The hyoid bone (os hyoideum) is one of the extracranial bones of the head. It is located in the anterior cervical region at the level of the bodies of the C3–C4 vertebrae and is held in place by muscles and ligaments.

2. Which parts constitute the hyoid bone?

• Body, greater horns, and lesser horns

  The hyoid bone consists of a body (corpus ossis hyoidei), a pair of greater horns (cornua majora), and a pair of lesser horns (cornua minora). This is the classical division adopted in Terminologia Anatomica.

• Body, arch, and spinous process

  The hyoid bone consists of a body (corpus ossis hyoidei), a pair of greater horns (cornua majora), and a pair of lesser horns (cornua minora). This is the classical division adopted in Terminologia Anatomica.

• Base, body, and neck

  The hyoid bone consists of a body (corpus ossis hyoidei), a pair of greater horns (cornua majora), and a pair of lesser horns (cornua minora). This is the classical division adopted in Terminologia Anatomica.

• Head, neck, and greater horns

  The hyoid bone consists of a body (corpus ossis hyoidei), a pair of greater horns (cornua majora), and a pair of lesser horns (cornua minora). This is the classical division adopted in Terminologia Anatomica.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The hyoid bone consists of a body (corpus ossis hyoidei), a pair of greater horns (cornua majora), and a pair of lesser horns (cornua minora). This is the classical division adopted in Terminologia Anatomica.

3. At what level of the cervical vertebrae is the hyoid bone located in an adult?

• C1–C2

  In an adult, the hyoid bone projects at the level of the bodies of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. This is a landmark used in the topographic description of neck structures.

• C2–C3

  In an adult, the hyoid bone projects at the level of the bodies of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. This is a landmark used in the topographic description of neck structures.

• C3–C4

  In an adult, the hyoid bone projects at the level of the bodies of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. This is a landmark used in the topographic description of neck structures.

• C5–C6

  In an adult, the hyoid bone projects at the level of the bodies of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. This is a landmark used in the topographic description of neck structures.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In an adult, the hyoid bone projects at the level of the bodies of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. This is a landmark used in the topographic description of neck structures.

4. The lesser horns of the hyoid bone are connected to the body by:

• A synchondrosis that is replaced by synostosis with age

  At a young age, the lesser horns (cornua minora) are connected to the body by cartilage (synchondrosis). With age, this cartilage generally ossifies, forming a synostosis. A synovial joint is not characteristic of this connection.

• A true synovial joint

  At a young age, the lesser horns (cornua minora) are connected to the body by cartilage (synchondrosis). With age, this cartilage generally ossifies, forming a synostosis. A synovial joint is not characteristic of this connection.

• A fibrous connection (syndesmosis)

  At a young age, the lesser horns (cornua minora) are connected to the body by cartilage (synchondrosis). With age, this cartilage generally ossifies, forming a synostosis. A synovial joint is not characteristic of this connection.

• The symphysis

  At a young age, the lesser horns (cornua minora) are connected to the body by cartilage (synchondrosis). With age, this cartilage generally ossifies, forming a synostosis. A synovial joint is not characteristic of this connection.

• I find it difficult to answer

  At a young age, the lesser horns (cornua minora) are connected to the body by cartilage (synchondrosis). With age, this cartilage generally ossifies, forming a synostosis. A synovial joint is not characteristic of this connection.

5. Which ligament connects the lesser horns of the hyoid bone to the styloid process of the temporal bone?

• Stylomandibular ligament (lig. stylomandibulare)

  The stylohyoid ligament (lig. stylohyoideum) extends between the styloid process (processus styloideus) of the temporal bone and the lesser horn of the hyoid bone.

• Stylohyoid ligament (lig. stylohyoideum)

  The stylohyoid ligament (lig. stylohyoideum) extends between the styloid process (processus styloideus) of the temporal bone and the lesser horn of the hyoid bone.

• Sphenomandibular ligament (lig. sphenomandibulare)

  The stylohyoid ligament (lig. stylohyoideum) extends between the styloid process (processus styloideus) of the temporal bone and the lesser horn of the hyoid bone.

• Hyoepiglottic ligament (lig. hyoepiglotticum)

  The stylohyoid ligament (lig. stylohyoideum) extends between the styloid process (processus styloideus) of the temporal bone and the lesser horn of the hyoid bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The stylohyoid ligament (lig. stylohyoideum) extends between the styloid process (processus styloideus) of the temporal bone and the lesser horn of the hyoid bone.

6. Which ligament connects the body of the hyoid bone to the epiglottis?

• Median thyrohyoid ligament

  The hyoepiglottic ligament (lig. hyoepiglotticum) connects the superior surface of the body of the hyoid bone to the anterior surface of the epiglottic cartilage, contributing to fixation of the epiglottis.

• Stylohyoid ligament

  The hyoepiglottic ligament (lig. hyoepiglotticum) connects the superior surface of the body of the hyoid bone to the anterior surface of the epiglottic cartilage, contributing to fixation of the epiglottis.

• Hyoepiglottic ligament (lig. hyoepiglotticum)

  The hyoepiglottic ligament (lig. hyoepiglotticum) connects the superior surface of the body of the hyoid bone to the anterior surface of the epiglottic cartilage, contributing to fixation of the epiglottis.

• Lateral thyrohyoid ligament

  The hyoepiglottic ligament (lig. hyoepiglotticum) connects the superior surface of the body of the hyoid bone to the anterior surface of the epiglottic cartilage, contributing to fixation of the epiglottis.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The hyoepiglottic ligament (lig. hyoepiglotticum) connects the superior surface of the body of the hyoid bone to the anterior surface of the epiglottic cartilage, contributing to fixation of the epiglottis.

7. The thyrohyoid membrane (membrana thyrohyoidea) attaches to the hyoid bone in the region of the:

• Superior border of the greater horns and body

  Superiorly, the thyrohyoid membrane attaches to the posterior border of the body and the superior border of the greater horns of the hyoid bone, and inferiorly—to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.

• Inferior border of the lesser horns

  Superiorly, the thyrohyoid membrane attaches to the posterior border of the body and the superior border of the greater horns of the hyoid bone, and inferiorly—to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.

• Posterior surface of the body

  Superiorly, the thyrohyoid membrane attaches to the posterior border of the body and the superior border of the greater horns of the hyoid bone, and inferiorly—to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.

• Superior border of the lesser horns

  Superiorly, the thyrohyoid membrane attaches to the posterior border of the body and the superior border of the greater horns of the hyoid bone, and inferiorly—to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Superiorly, the thyrohyoid membrane attaches to the posterior border of the body and the superior border of the greater horns of the hyoid bone, and inferiorly—to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.

8. The digastric muscle (m. digastricus) is attached to the hyoid bone by:

• Direct tendinous attachment to the body of the bone

  The intermediate tendon of m. digastricus is held by a fibrous loop (digastric loop), which is attached to the body and/or greater horn of the hyoid bone, allowing the tendon to glide.

• A fibrous loop attached to the body or greater horn of the bone

  The intermediate tendon of m. digastricus is held by a fibrous loop (digastric loop), which is attached to the body and/or greater horn of the hyoid bone, allowing the tendon to glide.

• Attachment to the lesser horn of the bone

  The intermediate tendon of m. digastricus is held by a fibrous loop (digastric loop), which is attached to the body and/or greater horn of the hyoid bone, allowing the tendon to glide.

• The stylohyoid ligament

  The intermediate tendon of m. digastricus is held by a fibrous loop (digastric loop), which is attached to the body and/or greater horn of the hyoid bone, allowing the tendon to glide.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The intermediate tendon of m. digastricus is held by a fibrous loop (digastric loop), which is attached to the body and/or greater horn of the hyoid bone, allowing the tendon to glide.

9. Which muscle originates from the inferior border of the body of the hyoid bone and attaches to the posterior surface of the mandible?

• M. mylohyoideus

  M. geniohyoideus (geniohyoid muscle) originates from the spina mentalis of the mandible and attaches to the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone. Functions—it pulls the bone anteriorly and superiorly.

• M. geniohyoideus

  M. geniohyoideus (geniohyoid muscle) originates from the spina mentalis of the mandible and attaches to the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone. Functions—it pulls the bone anteriorly and superiorly.

• M. sternohyoideus

  M. geniohyoideus (geniohyoid muscle) originates from the spina mentalis of the mandible and attaches to the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone. Functions—it pulls the bone anteriorly and superiorly.

• M. omohyoideus

  M. geniohyoideus (geniohyoid muscle) originates from the spina mentalis of the mandible and attaches to the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone. Functions—it pulls the bone anteriorly and superiorly.

• I find it difficult to answer

  M. geniohyoideus (geniohyoid muscle) originates from the spina mentalis of the mandible and attaches to the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone. Functions—it pulls the bone anteriorly and superiorly.

10. Which muscle attaches to the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone and forms part of the floor of the oral cavity?

• M. sternohyoideus

  M. mylohyoideus (mylohyoid muscle) forms the muscular floor of the oral cavity. It attaches to the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone along the median raphe and to the mylohyoid line of the mandible.

• M. thyrohyoideus

  M. mylohyoideus (mylohyoid muscle) forms the muscular floor of the oral cavity. It attaches to the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone along the median raphe and to the mylohyoid line of the mandible.

• M. mylohyoideus

  M. mylohyoideus (mylohyoid muscle) forms the muscular floor of the oral cavity. It attaches to the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone along the median raphe and to the mylohyoid line of the mandible.

• M. stylohyoideus

  M. mylohyoideus (mylohyoid muscle) forms the muscular floor of the oral cavity. It attaches to the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone along the median raphe and to the mylohyoid line of the mandible.

• I find it difficult to answer

  M. mylohyoideus (mylohyoid muscle) forms the muscular floor of the oral cavity. It attaches to the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone along the median raphe and to the mylohyoid line of the mandible.

11. M. omohyoideus (omohyoid muscle) attaches to the hyoid bone in the region of the:

• Lesser horn

  The superior belly of m. omohyoideus attaches to the inferior border of the greater horn (cornu majus) of the hyoid bone. The inferior belly originates from the scapula. The muscle depresses and stabilizes the bone.

• Inferior border of the body

  The superior belly of m. omohyoideus attaches to the inferior border of the greater horn (cornu majus) of the hyoid bone. The inferior belly originates from the scapula. The muscle depresses and stabilizes the bone.

• Inferior border of the greater horn

  The superior belly of m. omohyoideus attaches to the inferior border of the greater horn (cornu majus) of the hyoid bone. The inferior belly originates from the scapula. The muscle depresses and stabilizes the bone.

• Posterior surface of the body

  The superior belly of m. omohyoideus attaches to the inferior border of the greater horn (cornu majus) of the hyoid bone. The inferior belly originates from the scapula. The muscle depresses and stabilizes the bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The superior belly of m. omohyoideus attaches to the inferior border of the greater horn (cornu majus) of the hyoid bone. The inferior belly originates from the scapula. The muscle depresses and stabilizes the bone.

12. M. thyrohyoideus (thyrohyoid muscle) connects the hyoid bone to the:

• Cricoid cartilage of the larynx

  M. thyrohyoideus extends between the inferior border of the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone superiorly and the oblique line (linea obliqua) of the thyroid cartilage inferiorly. When the hyoid bone is fixed, it elevates the larynx.

• Thyroid cartilage of the larynx

  M. thyrohyoideus extends between the inferior border of the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone superiorly and the oblique line (linea obliqua) of the thyroid cartilage inferiorly. When the hyoid bone is fixed, it elevates the larynx.

• Trachea

  M. thyrohyoideus extends between the inferior border of the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone superiorly and the oblique line (linea obliqua) of the thyroid cartilage inferiorly. When the hyoid bone is fixed, it elevates the larynx.

• Thyroid gland

  M. thyrohyoideus extends between the inferior border of the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone superiorly and the oblique line (linea obliqua) of the thyroid cartilage inferiorly. When the hyoid bone is fixed, it elevates the larynx.

• I find it difficult to answer

  M. thyrohyoideus extends between the inferior border of the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone superiorly and the oblique line (linea obliqua) of the thyroid cartilage inferiorly. When the hyoid bone is fixed, it elevates the larynx.

13. M. stylohyoideus (stylohyoid muscle) attaches to the hyoid bone in the region of the:

• Lesser horn

  M. stylohyoideus attaches to the body of the hyoid bone at its junction with the greater horn; its tendon splits and encloses the intermediate tendon of the digastric muscle on both sides. This is a characteristic anatomical feature.

• Body of the bone at its lateral border, with two slips enclosing the tendon of the digastric muscle

  M. stylohyoideus attaches to the body of the hyoid bone at its junction with the greater horn; its tendon splits and encloses the intermediate tendon of the digastric muscle on both sides. This is a characteristic anatomical feature.

• Greater horn at its base

  M. stylohyoideus attaches to the body of the hyoid bone at its junction with the greater horn; its tendon splits and encloses the intermediate tendon of the digastric muscle on both sides. This is a characteristic anatomical feature.

• Posterior surface of the body

  M. stylohyoideus attaches to the body of the hyoid bone at its junction with the greater horn; its tendon splits and encloses the intermediate tendon of the digastric muscle on both sides. This is a characteristic anatomical feature.

• I find it difficult to answer

  M. stylohyoideus attaches to the body of the hyoid bone at its junction with the greater horn; its tendon splits and encloses the intermediate tendon of the digastric muscle on both sides. This is a characteristic anatomical feature.

14. Which nerve innervates the m. geniohyoideus?

• N. mylohyoideus (branch of n. alveolaris inferior)

  M. geniohyoideus is innervated by C1 fibers that travel with n. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII). These fibers leave the nerve and reach the muscle as a separate branch.

• N. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII)

  M. geniohyoideus is innervated by C1 fibers that travel with n. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII). These fibers leave the nerve and reach the muscle as a separate branch.

• Ansa cervicalis (C1–C3)

  M. geniohyoideus is innervated by C1 fibers that travel with n. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII). These fibers leave the nerve and reach the muscle as a separate branch.

• N. glossopharyngeus (cranial nerve IX)

  M. geniohyoideus is innervated by C1 fibers that travel with n. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII). These fibers leave the nerve and reach the muscle as a separate branch.

• I find it difficult to answer

  M. geniohyoideus is innervated by C1 fibers that travel with n. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII). These fibers leave the nerve and reach the muscle as a separate branch.

15. The muscles located below the hyoid bone (infrahyoid muscles) are innervated predominantly by:

• N. vagus (cranial nerve X)

  The muscles located below the hyoid bone (m. sternohyoideus, m. sternothyroideus, m. thyrohyoideus, m. omohyoideus) are innervated by the ansa cervicalis (loop of the cervical plexus), formed by the anterior rami of C1–C3.

• Ansa cervicalis of the cervical plexus (C1–C3)

  The muscles located below the hyoid bone (m. sternohyoideus, m. sternothyroideus, m. thyrohyoideus, m. omohyoideus) are innervated by the ansa cervicalis (loop of the cervical plexus), formed by the anterior rami of C1–C3.

• N. accessorius (cranial nerve XI)

  The muscles located below the hyoid bone (m. sternohyoideus, m. sternothyroideus, m. thyrohyoideus, m. omohyoideus) are innervated by the ansa cervicalis (loop of the cervical plexus), formed by the anterior rami of C1–C3.

• N. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII)

  The muscles located below the hyoid bone (m. sternohyoideus, m. sternothyroideus, m. thyrohyoideus, m. omohyoideus) are innervated by the ansa cervicalis (loop of the cervical plexus), formed by the anterior rami of C1–C3.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The muscles located below the hyoid bone (m. sternohyoideus, m. sternothyroideus, m. thyrohyoideus, m. omohyoideus) are innervated by the ansa cervicalis (loop of the cervical plexus), formed by the anterior rami of C1–C3.

16. The mylohyoid muscle is innervated by:

• Digastric branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)

  It is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve V₃)

• A branch of the trigeminal nerve V₃

  It is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve V₃)

• Stylohyoid branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)

  It is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve V₃)

• N. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII)

  It is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve V₃)

• I find it difficult to answer

  It is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve V₃)

17. The stylohyoid muscle is innervated by:

• Digastric branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)

  It is innervated by the facial nerve (stylohyoid branch)

• A branch of the trigeminal nerve V₃

  It is innervated by the facial nerve (stylohyoid branch)

• Stylohyoid branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)

  It is innervated by the facial nerve (stylohyoid branch)

• N. hypoglossus (cranial nerve XII)

  It is innervated by the facial nerve (stylohyoid branch)

• I find it difficult to answer

  It is innervated by the facial nerve (stylohyoid branch)

18. Lymphatic vessels from the hyoid bone and adjacent structures drain predominantly into the:

• Pretracheal (pretracheal) lymph nodes

  Lymph from the hyoid bone drains into the deep cervical lymph nodes located along the internal jugular vein (nodi lymphoidei cervicales profundi). This is the principal collector of lymph from this region.

• Deep cervical lymph nodes along the course of v. jugularis interna

  Lymph from the hyoid bone drains into the deep cervical lymph nodes located along the internal jugular vein (nodi lymphoidei cervicales profundi). This is the principal collector of lymph from this region.

• Submandibular lymph nodes (nodi lymphoidei submandibulares)

  Lymph from the hyoid bone drains into the deep cervical lymph nodes located along the internal jugular vein (nodi lymphoidei cervicales profundi). This is the principal collector of lymph from this region.

• Retropharyngeal lymph nodes

  Lymph from the hyoid bone drains into the deep cervical lymph nodes located along the internal jugular vein (nodi lymphoidei cervicales profundi). This is the principal collector of lymph from this region.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Lymph from the hyoid bone drains into the deep cervical lymph nodes located along the internal jugular vein (nodi lymphoidei cervicales profundi). This is the principal collector of lymph from this region.

19. What function does the hyoid bone perform during swallowing?

• Serves as the origin of m. palatoglossus, elevating the soft palate

  During swallowing, the suprahyoid muscles elevate the hyoid bone superiorly and anteriorly, drawing the larynx with it. This movement facilitates closure of the laryngeal inlet by the epiglottis and protects the airway.

• Stabilizes the root of the tongue without changing its position

  During swallowing, the suprahyoid muscles elevate the hyoid bone superiorly and anteriorly, drawing the larynx with it. This movement facilitates closure of the laryngeal inlet by the epiglottis and protects the airway.

• Moves superiorly and anteriorly, elevating the larynx and enabling the epiglottis to close the laryngeal inlet

  During swallowing, the suprahyoid muscles elevate the hyoid bone superiorly and anteriorly, drawing the larynx with it. This movement facilitates closure of the laryngeal inlet by the epiglottis and protects the airway.

• Moves inferiorly, opening the pharyngeal lumen for the food bolus

  During swallowing, the suprahyoid muscles elevate the hyoid bone superiorly and anteriorly, drawing the larynx with it. This movement facilitates closure of the laryngeal inlet by the epiglottis and protects the airway.

• I find it difficult to answer

  During swallowing, the suprahyoid muscles elevate the hyoid bone superiorly and anteriorly, drawing the larynx with it. This movement facilitates closure of the laryngeal inlet by the epiglottis and protects the airway.

20. The body of the hyoid bone comprises:

• Cylindrical

  The body of the hyoid bone (corpus ossis hyoidei) comprises a quadrangular (rectangular) plate whose anterior surface is convex and directed anteriorly and superiorly, whereas the posterior surface is concave and faces the epiglottis and larynx.

• A quadrangular plate, convex anteriorly and concave posteriorly

  The body of the hyoid bone (corpus ossis hyoidei) comprises a quadrangular (rectangular) plate whose anterior surface is convex and directed anteriorly and superiorly, whereas the posterior surface is concave and faces the epiglottis and larynx.

• A triangular plate with the base directed superiorly

  The body of the hyoid bone (corpus ossis hyoidei) comprises a quadrangular (rectangular) plate whose anterior surface is convex and directed anteriorly and superiorly, whereas the posterior surface is concave and faces the epiglottis and larynx.

• A spherical structure with a ridge along the midline

  The body of the hyoid bone (corpus ossis hyoidei) comprises a quadrangular (rectangular) plate whose anterior surface is convex and directed anteriorly and superiorly, whereas the posterior surface is concave and faces the epiglottis and larynx.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The body of the hyoid bone (corpus ossis hyoidei) comprises a quadrangular (rectangular) plate whose anterior surface is convex and directed anteriorly and superiorly, whereas the posterior surface is concave and faces the epiglottis and larynx.