The styloid process is a slender, pointed projection extending from the temporal bone, serving as an anchor for muscles and ligaments involved in tongue movement, swallowing, and speech. It provides attachment points for the styloglossus, stylohyoid, and stylopharyngeus muscles, aiding in precise head and neck functions. Despite its small size, it plays a key role in stabilizing structures related to the throat and jaw.
The term "styloid" comes from the Greek "stylos" meaning pillar or pen, and "eidos" meaning form or shape, referring to its pointed, pen-like appearance. The word "process" comes from Latin "processus" meaning projection.
Image
