Hyoid Bone Unique Feature — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyAnatomy (Head & Neck)Hyoid Bone Unique FeatureMFDS Part 1

The hyoid bone is unique because it:

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Does not articulate with any other bone

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

The correct answer is A. The hyoid is distinctive because it does not form a joint with any other bone. It is suspended and stabilised in the anterior neck by muscles and ligaments, including connections with the mandible, tongue, skull base, pharynx and larynx. These soft-tissue attachments do not constitute bony articulations. Therefore, it does not articulate with the mandible, temporal bone or cervical vertebrae, excluding B, C and D. Although it develops from the pharyngeal arches and lies inferior to the mandible, it is a bone of the neck rather than part of the skull, excluding E. Its mobility assists swallowing, phonation and maintenance of the upper airway.

Reference: Garg R, Fakoya AO, Menezes RG. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Hyoid Bone. StatPearls, updated 2025; 2026 edition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30969548/