What is the function of styloid process?

What is the function of styloid process?

Through these structures, the styloid process facilitates the movement of the tongue, pharynx, larynx, hyoid bone, and mandible. Significant vessels and nerves surround the styloid process.

What is the styloid bone process?

The styloid process (SP) consists of two narrow and elongated bony projections of the temporal bone. They are located anteriorly to the stylomastoid foramen on the right and left sides of base of the skull [1].

Why is the styloid process important?

The styloid process is a slender pointed piece of bone just below the ear. It projects down and forward from the inferior surface of the temporal bone, and serves as an anchor point for several muscles associated with the tongue and larynx.

What does the styloid muscle do?

Function. The stylohyoid muscle elevates and retracts hyoid bone. It initiates a swallowing action by pulling the hyoid bone in a posterior and superior direction.

Can you feel styloid process?

It should be possible to feel an elongated styloid process by careful intraoral palpation, placing the index finger in the tonsillar fossa and applying gentle pressure. If pain is reproduced by palpation and either referred to the ear, face, or head, the diagnosis of an elongated styloid process is very likely.

Why is it called styloid process?

In anatomy, a styloid process (from Greek stylos (στῦλος), “pillar”), usually serving as points of attachment for muscles, refers to the slender, pointed process (protrusion) of: temporal bone of the skull – Temporal styloid process.

Why does my styloid process hurt?

Some people develop a long styloid process after a throat injury or surgery. In others, this is merely an anatomical difference or a change related to age. An elongated styloid process may put pressure on the throat and compress nearby nerves or blood vessels, causing pain.

Can styloid process be cured?

Eagle syndrome is often treated by shortening the styloid process with surgery. Your surgeon may need to remove your tonsils to access your styloid process. They may also be able to access it through an opening in your neck, but this usually leaves a large scar.

Are there two styloid processes?

temporal bone of the skull – Temporal styloid process. radius bone of the lower arm – Radial styloid process. ulna bone of the lower arm – Ulnar styloid process.

How long is a normal styloid process?

The styloid process is a bony projection, located just anterior to the stylomastoid foramen, the normal length of which is approximately 20-25 mm. Elongation of the process may cause various clinical symptoms such as neck and cervicofacial pain, described as Eagle’s syndrome.

What does bone contain styloid process?

The styloid process of the temporal bone is a small bony growth protruding in the downward direction from the temporal bone. This thorn-shaped bone acts as a point of attachment for the muscles associated with the tongue and the larynx. This anchoring of muscles plays a crucial role in the proper movement of delicate organs such as the tongue.

What is ulnar styloid impaction syndrome?

Ulnar styloid impaction syndrome refers to wrist pain due to a long ulnar styloid process impacting upon the triquetral bone.

What is ulnar styloid fracture?

Ulnar styloid fracture is a common occurrence, especially when a person falls on an outstretched hand. It often causes pain, swelling and difficulty in movement. Proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary to preserve the functioning of wrist joint.