Question

question 38

the hyoid bone is unique because it ______.

a is the only bone of the body that does not articulate with any other bone
b is the only irregular bone found in the neck
c is the only bone formed by the fusion of right and left halves
d is composed of three bones joined together

Explanation:

Identify the anatomical characteristics of the hyoid bone

Using the Axial Skeleton Components and Skeletal System Functions knowledge points

• The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage.
• It is unique because it does not directly articulate with any other bone in the human body.
• Instead, it is suspended by ligaments and muscles, serving as an anchoring structure for the tongue and larynx.

Evaluate the given multiple-choice options

• Option A: "is the only bone of the body that does not articulate with any other bone" — This is anatomically correct.
• Option B: "is the only irregular bone found in the neck" — Incorrect; cervical vertebrae are also irregular bones in the neck.
• Option C: "is the only bone formed by the fusion of right and left halves" — Incorrect; many bones (like the mandible) fuse during development.
• Option D: "is composed of three bones joined together" — Incorrect; it is a single bone consisting of a body, greater horns, and lesser horns.

Answer:

• (A) is the only bone of the body that does not articulate with any other bone (Correct answer)
• (B) is the only irregular bone found in the neck
• (C) is the only bone formed by the fusion of right and left halves
• (D) is composed of three bones joined together