Hyoid facts for kids

Position of hyoid bone (shown in red).

The hyoid bone is a small, horseshoe-shaped bone found in the front of your neck. You can find it right between your chin and the part of your throat called the Adam's apple. When you are resting, it sits at the level of your jawbone (the mandible) in the front and the third bone of your neck spine (cervical vertebra) in the back.

What makes the hyoid bone special is that it's not directly connected to any other bones in your body. Instead, it's held in place by different muscles and ligaments. This bone is very important for helping you move your tongue and for swallowing food and drinks. It provides a place for the muscles of your mouth, tongue, and throat to attach. Because of its protected spot, the hyoid bone does not break easily.

Images for kids

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  The lesser and greater horns of the hyoid

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  Muscles of the pharynx and cheek.

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  Muscles of the neck. Lateral view.

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  Hyoid bones of various birds in the Natural History Museum, Vienna

See also

In Spanish: Hueso hioides para niños