Where is the hyoid bone located and how does it support the tongue?

The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone located at the root of the tongue in the front of the neck, positioned between the lower jaw and the largest cartilage of the larynx. Unlike other bones in the human skeleton, it does not articulate with any other bone.123

The hyoid bone supports the tongue primarily by serving as an anchoring structure for various muscles. For instance, the hyoglossus muscles originate from the body and greater cornua of the hyoid and insert into the sides of the tongue; the hyoid bone anchors these muscles, allowing them to depress the tongue and widen the oral cavity when they contract. Additionally, the bone acts as a steadying point for muscles involved in mastication, swallowing, and voice production, functioning much like a ship anchored fore and aft to maintain stability during movement.12