CHAP. XI. Of the Bone Hyoides, and the Muscles thereof.
* 1.1THe substance of the Bone Hyoides is the same with that of other Bones. The figure there∣of imitates the Greek letter υ from whence it took the name, (as also the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; And from the letter λ it is in like sort called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; by some it is styled os Gutturis, and os Linguae,* 1.2 that is, the Throat-bone and Tongue-bone. The composition thereof consists of many Bones joyned into one by the interposition of Gristles.
* 1.3This Bone is bigger in Beasts and composed of more Bones, and that not only by the intercourse of Gristles, but also of Ligaments. It is seated with its basis (being gibbous on the fore-part for constancy, and arched on the inside that it might receive and contain the root of the Tongue) up∣on the upper part of that Gristle of the Throttle, which is called Scutiformis, or Shield-like, (for this seems to prop it up by the strength of two processes rising at the basis thereof) and the root of the Tongue. From this basis it sends forth two horns to the sides of the Tongue on each side one, which in men are tyed to the Appendix Styloides by Ligaments sent from it self. Contrary than it is in Beasts, who have it of many Bones; united, as we said, by the intercourse of Ligaments even to the root of the Styloides.* 1.4 Wherefore this Bone hath connexion with the fore-mentioned parts, and other hereafter to be mentioned. It hath the same temper as other bones have. The use of it is, to minister Ligaments to certain Muscles of the Tongue, and insertion as well to the two foremost and upper Muscles of the Throttle, as to its own, of which we will now treat.
* 1.5The Muscles of the Bone Hyoides, according to the opinion of some are eight, on each side four; of which there be two, one of which Galen refers to the common Muscles of the Larinx or Throttle; and the other to those which move the Shoulder-blade upwards. Howsoever it be, the first of the four before-mentioned arises from the Appendix Styloides, and passing over the ner∣vous substance of the Muscle opening the lower Jaw, is inserted into the horns of the bone Hy∣oides. This Muscle is very thin, yet somewhat broad, the which in that respect may easily be cut, unless you have a care in separating the Muscle which opens the lower Chap. The second ascends obliquely from the upper part of the shoulder-blade neer the production thereof called Co∣racoides, to the beginnings of the horns of the said Bone Hyoides. This is round and nervous in the midst that so it might be the stronger, as that is which we formerly said opens the lower Jaw; and it is refer'd by Galen amongst those which move the Shoulder-blade upwards. The third arises from the upper part of the Sternon, and is inserted at the root and basis of the Bone Hyoides; yet Galen refers it to the common Muscles of the Larinx; whose opinion takes place rather in Beasts, than in Man, seeing in Man this Muscle cannot be found either to proceed, or be inserted into the Throttle, as it is in Beasts. The fourth and last descends within from the Chin to the root of the Bone Hyoides.* 1.6 The first of these Muscles with its companion, or partner, moves the Bone Hyoi∣des upwards; the second downwards; the third backwards; and the fourth forwards. I would declare whence these Muscles have their vessels, had I not abundantly satisfied that thing, when I treated of the distribution of the Nerves, Veins and Arteries.