Anatomy & Histology · single question
Which bone is elevated during swallowing?
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Correct answer: B. Hyoid bone
- A. The maxilla is fixed to the cranial base and does not move.
- B. Correct. The HYOID BONE elevates and moves anteriorly during swallowing, pulled by the suprahyoid muscles (mylohyoid, geniohyoid, digastric, stylohyoid). This elevates the larynx beneath the tongue base and helps tilt the epiglottis to protect the airway. The hyoid is unique — it articulates with no other bone.
- C. The zygomatic bone is a fixed part of the facial skeleton.
- D. The mandible is stabilized during swallowing but is not the bone characteristically elevated.
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