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The Hyoid Bone

The Hyoid Bone

The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. The hyoid acts as the attachment site for the tongue, the larynx, and the pharynx. It is held in position by a series of small muscles attached from above or below. These muscles help to move the hyoid up/down or forward/back in coordination with movements of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx...

Muscles of the Anterior Neck

Muscles of the Anterior Neck

The anterior neck muscles are the group of muscles covering the front part of the neck. These muscles are classified into three subgroups. The first one is the superficial muscles, the most visible muscles in the front of the neck. It includes the platysma and sternocleidomastoid. The second group is the suprahyoid muscles, located above the hyoid bone. This group comprises the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. Lastly, the infrahyoid muscles are found below the hyoid bone and...

Arteries of the Head and Neck

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...

The Arch of Aorta

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...

Cranial Nerves: Types Part II

Cranial Nerves: Types Part II

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...

Muscles that Move the Head

Muscles that Move the Head

The muscles that move the head are a dynamic and complex group of structures that work together to facilitate a wide range of head movements, including rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending.
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing

Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing

Published on: May 6, 2014

Carotid artery compression by the hyoid bone.

Ronald C Pearlman¹, Mohammad A Naficy, Myles B Koby

¹School of Communication, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA. rpearlman@howard.edu

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

|September 20, 2012

Summary

A rare case of carotid artery compression by an unusual hyoid bone horn was treated with carotid endarterectomy. This surgical approach effectively addressed the stenosis caused by the bone, offering an alternative to stenting in similar cases.

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Area of Science:

Vascular Surgery
Anatomy
Radiology

Background:

Bilateral carotid stenosis is a significant risk factor for stroke.
Atherosclerotic plaque buildup commonly causes carotid artery narrowing.
Surgical intervention is often necessary to restore blood flow.

Observation:

An 83-year-old male presented with severe left carotid stenosis (>70%).
During carotid endarterectomy, a 2-cm calcified horn on the hyoid bone was found compressing the carotid artery.
Radiographic imaging confirmed this unique anatomical compression.

Findings:

The carotid endarterectomy successfully increased the carotid artery lumen size by removing atherosclerotic plaque.
The hyoid bone's calcified horn was identified as the cause of extrinsic carotid artery compression.
This case highlights an unusual etiology for carotid stenosis.

Implications:

Carotid artery compression by the hyoid bone is a rare but treatable cause of stenosis.
Carotid endarterectomy may be the preferred surgical option over stenting in cases of bony compression.
Awareness of such anatomical variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective surgical planning in vascular procedures.