Stylohyoid is a medical term used to describe a muscle that connects the styloid process of the temporal bone to the hyoid bone in the neck. It is pronounced /ˌstaɪloʊˈhaɪɔɪd/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling reflects the Latin roots of the word, with "stylo" referring to the styloid process and "hyoid" referring to the hyoid bone. The term is commonly used in anatomy and physiology and is important for understanding the structure and function of the neck and throat.
Stylohyoid refers to the anatomical structure or pertaining to the styloid process and the hyoid bone. The styloid process is a slender, bony projection located on the base of the skull that extends downwards from the temporal bone. It serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments involved in the movement and stabilization of the tongue, throat, and neck. The hyoid bone, on the other hand, is a U-shaped bone located in the front of the neck, just above the larynx.
In human anatomy, the term stylohyoid is often used to describe the stylohyoid muscle, which is a small muscle that originates from the styloid process and inserts onto the hyoid bone. This muscle plays a crucial role in various functions, including swallowing, speaking, and moving the hyoid bone during these activities.
Stylohyoid can also be used to describe other structures or conditions related to the styloid process and hyoid bone, such as the stylohyoid ligament, which is a band of fibrous tissue that attaches the hyoid bone to the styloid process. Additionally, elongation of the styloid process, known as Eagle syndrome, may cause pain and discomfort due to irritation of surrounding tissues. Overall, the term stylohyoid encompasses the various anatomical elements and functions associated with the styloid process and the hyoid bone.
Stylohyal; relating to the musculus stylohyoideus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "stylohyoid" is derived from two Greek roots: "stylos" meaning "pillar" or "post", and "hyoeides" meaning "shaped like".
In anatomical terms, the "stylohyoid" refers to the stylohyoid muscle and the stylohyoid ligament, both of which are located in the neck region. The name "stylohyoid" was given to these structures due to their location near the styloid process of the temporal bone.
The styloid process is a long, pointed bone projection that resembles a pillar or post. It serves as an attachment point for various muscles and ligaments, including the stylohyoid muscle and ligament. Hence, the term "stylohyoid" describes the structures that are associated with or shaped like the styloid process.