Schildknorpel

The schildknorpel, also known as the hyoid bone, is a small, horseshoe-shaped bone located in the neck, just below the base of the tongue. It is unique among bones in the human body as it does not articulate with any other bone, but rather serves as a point of attachment for various muscles and ligaments. The hyoid bone is crucial for speech, swallowing, and breathing, as it provides a stable base for the muscles involved in these functions.

The hyoid bone is composed of two parts: the greater cornu and the lesser cornu, which are connected by a central body. The greater cornu is the larger and more prominent part, while the lesser cornu is smaller and more delicate. The hyoid bone is suspended by muscles and ligaments, allowing it to move slightly during speech and swallowing.

The hyoid bone is innervated by the vagus nerve, which also supplies the muscles of the neck and throat. The hyoid bone is a key landmark in the neck, and its position can be used to locate other structures, such as the thyroid gland and the trachea.

The hyoid bone is typically not visible on standard X-rays or CT scans, but it can be seen on MRI scans. In some cases, the hyoid bone may be absent or underdeveloped, a condition known as hyoid agenesis. This condition is usually asymptomatic and does not require treatment. However, in rare cases, hyoid agenesis can be associated with other abnormalities, such as cleft palate or Down syndrome.

In summary, the schildknorpel, or hyoid bone, is a small, horseshoe-shaped bone located in the neck that plays a crucial role in speech, swallowing, and breathing. It is unique among bones in the human body as it does not articulate with any other bone, but rather serves as a point of attachment for various muscles and ligaments. The hyoid bone is typically not visible on standard X-rays or CT scans, but it can be seen on MRI scans. In some cases, the hyoid bone may be absent or underdeveloped, a condition known as hyoid agenesis.