Which bone in the neck supports the tongue?

The hyoid bone is a unique and pivotal structure in the neck that serves as a support for the tongue. It is located just above the larynx and below the mandible, and it is not directly articulated with any other bone; instead, it is anchored by muscles and ligaments. This flexibility allows the hyoid bone to play a crucial role in functions such as swallowing and speech.

Supporting the tongue is particularly important because the movements of the tongue are essential for various activities, including eating and speaking. The hyoid bone provides an attachment point for muscles that control the movements of the tongue, facilitating the complex actions necessary for these functions.

In contrast, the thyroid cartilage is primarily associated with the protection of the vocal cords and the overall structure of the larynx, rather than supporting the tongue. The intercostal muscles are primarily involved in the mechanics of breathing, located between the ribs, and therefore have no role in the support of the tongue. The pleurae are membranes surrounding the lungs and are not involved in neck or tongue support. Thus, the hyoid bone stands out as the correct choice for its direct function in supporting the tongue.