The stylohyoid ligament is a ligament that extends between the hyoid bone, and the temporal styloid process (of the temporal bone of the skull).

Anatomy

Attachments

It attaches at the lesser horn of hyoid bone inferiorly, and (the apex of ) the styloid process of the temporal bone superiorly. The ligament gives attachment to the superior-most fibres of the middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle.

Relations

The ligament is adjacent to the lateral wall of the oropharynx. Inferiorly, it is adjacent to th hyoglossus.

Clinical significance

The stylohyoid ligament frequently contains a little cartilage in its center, which is sometimes partially ossified in Eagle syndrome.

Other animals

In many animals, the epihyal is a distinct bone in the centre of the stylohyoid ligament, which is similar to that seen in Eagle syndrome.

Additional images