Name: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________

Group no. : _______________________________________ Set: ________________

Activity 5
The Hyoid Apparatus

I. Definition
The hyoid apparatus is the collective term used in veterinary anatomy for the bones which
suspend the tongue and larynx. It consists of pairs of stylohyoid, thyrohyoid, epihyoid and
ceratohyoid bones, and a single basihyoid bone. The hyoid apparatus resembles the shape of
a trapeze, or a bent letter "H". The basihyoid bone lies within the muscle at the base of the
tongue.
In humans, the single hyoid bone is an equivalent of the hyoid apparatus.

II. Structure and Function

It is attached to the temporal region of the skull by a synchondrosis joint. It is palpable through
the pharynx and is visible when the pharynx is viewed through the mouth. The basihyoid is
palpable within the intermandibular space.
The sternohyoid muscle pulls the hyoid caudally and the geniohyoid muscle pulls the hyoid
rostrally.

III. The Hyoid Bones

1. Basihyoid - Unpaired bone.
2. Stylohyoid - Articulates with base of skull at the petrus temporal. A paired bone.
3. Epihyoid - A paired bone.
4. Keratohyoid - A paired bone.
5. Thyrohyoid - Articulates with the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. A paired bone.

A. Draw and label the different parts of the hyoid apparatus. (Rostro-caudal oblique view)