The bone associated with the tongue is the hyoid bone. It's not actually in the tongue itself, but rather serves as an important anchor point for tongue muscles and is located in the anterior midline of the neck, between the chin and the thyroid cartilage.
Understanding the Hyoid Bone's Relationship to the Tongue
The hyoid bone, also known as the lingual bone or tongue-bone, is a unique horseshoe-shaped bone. Unlike other bones, it doesn't directly articulate (connect) with any other bones. Instead, it's supported by muscles and ligaments. Its crucial role in tongue function is highlighted by its connection to intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles.
- Intrinsic muscles: These originate and insert within the tongue itself.
- Extrinsic muscles: These connect the tongue to the hyoid bone and other structures, enabling tongue movement for speech, swallowing, and other functions.
Several sources confirm this relationship:
- Cleveland Clinic: Describes the hyoid bone's location in the front of the neck and its key role in supporting the tongue and facilitating speech and swallowing. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hyoid-bone
- Healthline: Specifically states that the tongue is connected to the hyoid bone at one end. https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/tongue
- StatPearls: Notes that extrinsic tongue muscles attach to the hyoid bone. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507782/
- Wikipedia: Defines the hyoid bone as the "lingual bone or tongue-bone," further emphasizing its connection. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyoid_bone
The hyoid bone's position and attachments are essential for the tongue's complex movements and functions. While not located within the tongue's muscular tissue, its connection is fundamental to the tongue's operation.
