Styloid process of temporal bone
Processus styloideus ossis temporalis
- Latin synonym: Processus styloides
- Related terms: Styloid process
Definition
The styloid process is a long process located laterally in front of the jugular process on the inferior surface of the temporal bone. Its proximal part (tympanohyal) is ensheathed by the vaginal process of the tympanic portion of temporal bone. Its distal part serves as an anchor point for several muscles and ligaments associated with the tongue and larynx:
- stylohyoid ligament
- stylomandibular ligament
- tyloglossus muscle
- stylohyoid muscle
- stylopharyngeus muscle