Temporal styloid process

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.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}} 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.

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.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}

• stylohyoid ligament{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}
• stylomandibular ligament{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}
• styloglossus muscle (innervated by the hypoglossal nerve){{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}
• stylohyoid muscle (innervated by the facial nerve){{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}
• stylopharyngeus muscle (innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve){{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}

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.

The styloid process arises from endochondral ossification of the cartilage from the second pharyngeal arch.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}

A small percentage of the population will suffer from an elongation of the styloid process and stylohyoid ligament calcification. 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.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}

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.

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• {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|22|os|04|07}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.tk.de/rochelexikon/pics/s25420.000-1.html|title=Anatomy diagram: 25420.000-1|work= Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator|publisher= Elsevier|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226040726/http://www.tk.de/rochelexikon/pics/s25420.000-1.html|archive-date=2015-02-26}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.tk.de/rochelexikon/pics/s34257.000-1.html|title=Anatomy diagram: 34257.000-1|work= Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator|publisher= Elsevier|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722052131/http://www.tk.de/rochelexikon/pics/s34257.000-1.html|archive-date=2012-07-22}}

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Category:Bones of the head and neck

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Category:Otorhinolaryngology

Category:Human head and neck

Category:Skull