Processus styloideus

The styloid process (or styloid part of the squamous temporal bone) is a slender pointed part of the temporal bone. It projects anteroinferiorly from the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone.

It serves as an anchor point for several muscles associated with the tongue and larynx:

It should be noted that all of these structures, along with the styloid process itself, develop from the second branchial arch (see branchial apparatus) and combined form the styloid apparatus.

Morphological variants
  • type I: normal (less than 30 mm) 
  • type II: elongated (more than 30 mm)
  • type III: pseudoarticulated
  • type IV: segmented

See also

Siehe auch:
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