Os Hyoideum (Noun)
Meaning
A U-shaped bone at the base of the tongue that supports the tongue muscles.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The hyoid bone, or os hyoideum, serves as a vital attachment point for the muscles of the tongue and larynx.
- Anatomically, the os hyoideum is situated at the base of the tongue, where it supports the muscles responsible for tongue movement.
- In humans, the os hyoideum is the only bone that does not articulate with any other bone, instead serving as a floating bone to support the tongue.
- Damage to the os hyoideum can cause difficulties in swallowing and speaking due to its critical role in supporting the tongue muscles.
- During embryonic development, the os hyoideum forms from the second and third pharyngeal arches before eventually becoming the U-shaped bone at the base of the tongue.