styloïde

Styloïde is a term used in anatomy and medicine to describe a pointed, slender, and conical projection or process. It is derived from the Greek word "stylos," meaning pen or stylus, referring to its characteristic shape. The most common anatomical usage refers to the styloid process, which is a bony projection found in several locations in the human body.

The most prominent styloid process is the temporal styloid process, an elongated bony projection located at the base of the temporal bone, inferior to the external auditory meatus. This process serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments, including the styloglossus, stylopharyngeus, and stylohyoid muscles, as well as the stylomandibular and stylohyoid ligaments. These structures play roles in tongue movement, swallowing, and the elevation of the hyoid bone.

Another significant styloid process is the radial styloid process, which is the conical projection at the distal end of the radius bone on the lateral side of the wrist. It serves as the attachment point for the radial collateral ligament of the wrist and the brachioradialis muscle. Fractures involving the radial styloid process, such as in Colles fractures, are common and can affect wrist stability.

In other contexts, the term "styloïde" can also refer to other pointed structures, though less commonly. For example, it might be used descriptively for certain types of anatomical formations or even in pathological conditions where abnormal pointed growths occur. The primary association, however, remains with the specific bony prominences in the skull and wrist.