The Uniqueness of Language: The Hyoid Bone
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The Uniqueness of Language: The Hyoid Bone
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| The position of the hyoid bone is unique and it is one of the reasons humans are able to speak. The hyoid bone below is unfused, a common occurrence, and the body (center) and two greater horns (left and right) are noticeable. This bone is the only inarticulated bone in the body and is located in the anterior neck immediately superior to the larynx. | |||||||||||||||
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| More information about the skeletal anatomy relating to language capabilities can be seen on our still photos pages of the hard palate and the cranial comparison page: | |||||||||||||||
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Still Photos of the Hard Palate | ||||||||||||||
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Human, Chimpanzee, and Gorilla Skulls | ||||||||||||||
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| Please e-mail your questions and comments to jahern@uwyo.edu. | |||||||||||||||