The temporal styloid process is a slender bony
process of the
temporal bone extending downward and forward from the undersurface of the
temporal bone just below the ear. The styloid process gives attachments to several muscles, and ligaments.
Structure
The styloid process is a slender and pointed bony process of the temporal bone projecting anteroinferiorly from the inferior surface of the
temporal bone just below the ear. Its length normally ranges from just under 3 cm to just over 4 cm. It is usually nearly straight, but may be curved in some individuals.
Its ''proximal'' (''tympanohyal'') ''part'' is ensheathed by the
tympanic part of the temporal bone ''(vaginal process), whereas'' its ''distal (stylohyal)'' ''part'' gives attachment to several structures.
Attachments
The styloid process gives attachments to several muscles, and ligaments.
It serves as an anchor point for several muscles associated with the
tongue and
larynx.
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stylohyoid ligament
The stylohyoid ligament is a ligament that connects the hyoid bone to the temporal styloid process (of the temporal bone of the skull).
Structure
The stylohyoid ligament connects the lesser horn of hyoid bone to the styloid process of the t ...
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stylomandibular ligament
The stylomandibular ligament is the thickened posterior portion of the investing cervical fascia around the neck. It extends from near the apex of the styloid process of the temporal bone to the angle and posterior border of the angle of the man ...
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styloglossus muscle (innervated by the
hypoglossal nerve
The hypoglossal nerve, also known as the twelfth cranial nerve, cranial nerve XII, or simply CN XII, is a cranial nerve that innervates all the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue except for the palatoglossus, which is innervated ...
)
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stylohyoid muscle (innervated by the
facial nerve)
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stylopharyngeus muscle (innervated by the
glossopharyngeal nerve
The glossopharyngeal nerve (), also known as the ninth cranial nerve, cranial nerve IX, or simply CN IX, is a cranial nerve that exits the brainstem from the sides of the upper medulla, just anterior (closer to the nose) to the vagus nerve. ...
)
Relations
The parotid gland is situated laterally to the styloid process, the external carotid artery passes by its apex, the facial nerve crosses its base, and the attachment of the stylopharyngeus muscle separates it from the internal jugular vein medially.
Clinical significance
A small percentage of the population will suffer from an elongation of the styloid process and stylohyoid ligament
calcification
Calcification is the accumulation of calcium salts in a body tissue. It normally occurs in the formation of bone, but calcium can be deposited abnormally in soft tissue,Miller, J. D. Cardiovascular calcification: Orbicular origins. ''Nature M ...
. This condition is also known as
Eagle syndrome. The tissues in the throat rub on the styloid process during the act of swallowing with resulting pain along the glossopharyngeal nerve. There is also pain upon turning the head or extending the tongue. Other symptoms may include voice alteration, cough, dizziness, migraines, occipital neuralgia, pain in teeth and jaw and sinusitis or bloodshot eyes.
Development
The styloid process arises from
endochondral ossification of the
cartilage from the second
pharyngeal arch.
Additional images
File:Styloid process of temporal bone - animation02.gif, Animation. Temporal styloid process shown in red.
File:Styloid process of left temporal bone - animation.gif, Left temporal bone.
File:Styloid process of left temporal bone - inferior view.png, Inferior surface of left temporal bone. Styloid process shown in red.
File:Gray907.png, External and middle ear, opened from the front. Right side. (Label for styloid process is bottom center.)
File:Gray137.png, Left temporal bone. Outer surface. (Styloid process visible at center bottom.)
File:Gray310.png, Articulation of the mandible. Medial aspect.
File:Gray1019.png, Extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Left side.
File:Gray1028.png, Dissection of the muscles of the palate from behind.
File:Slide2JAN.JPG, Styloid process.Base of skull.
References
External links
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Bones of the head and neck
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