Some biometric anatomical remarks on the human hyoid complex

In a series of fourty dissected specimens of the human hyoid complex, the position of the hyoid level was determined by measuring and statistically processing certain parameters with regard to bony landmarks, as well as to the musculature of the hyoid biomechanical system. In spite of the conventional description, only in 30% of the cases the long axis of the greater horns run parallel to the lower margin of the mandible. On the contrary, in 30% the hyoid level has an oblique ascending course of more than 20 degrees. Moreover, in 40% of the cases the hyoid bone lies higher, closer than 1.9 cm to the plane of the mental symphysis. The above observations, strengthened by similar ones on the length of the musculature, were more frequent in women, including almost half or more than half of their population. This sexual dimorphism has to be taken into account when dealing with the functional position of the hyoid, both in normal and clinical cases.