From the Research
The hyoid bone is derived from a single growth center, without overt contributions from the second and third pharyngeal arch cartilages. This is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which observed the development of the hyoid-larynx complex in human embryos 1. The study found that the body of the hyoid bone originates from a single growth center, and that the traditional description of the hyoid bone developing from the second and third pharyngeal arches is not supported by their findings.
The development of the hyoid bone is a complex process, and understanding its embryological origins is important for explaining its unique anatomical position and function. The hyoid bone is suspended in the anterior neck by muscles and ligaments, and does not articulate with any other bone.
Some studies have suggested that the hyoid bone develops from the second and third pharyngeal arches, with the lesser horns and upper body developing from the second arch and the greater horns and lower body developing from the third arch 2. However, this description is not supported by the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that the hyoid bone develops from a single growth center 1.
In terms of the pharyngeal arches, the most recent study suggests that the traditional labelling of the arches is problematic, and that a new terminology should be used to describe their development 3. However, this does not change the fact that the hyoid bone is derived from a single growth center, without overt contributions from the second and third pharyngeal arch cartilages.
Overall, the most recent and highest quality evidence suggests that the hyoid bone is derived from a single growth center, without overt contributions from the second and third pharyngeal arch cartilages 1. This is an important finding for understanding the development and function of the hyoid bone, and has implications for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the hyoid bone.
Key points to consider:
- The hyoid bone is derived from a single growth center, without overt contributions from the second and third pharyngeal arch cartilages 1
- The traditional description of the hyoid bone developing from the second and third pharyngeal arches is not supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1
- The development of the hyoid bone is a complex process, and understanding its embryological origins is important for explaining its unique anatomical position and function
- The hyoid bone is suspended in the anterior neck by muscles and ligaments, and does not articulate with any other bone.