Hyoepiglottic Ligament

Last updated: Dec 9th, 2024

The hyoepiglottic ligament is a sort of elastic strip which connects the hyoid bone to the epiglottis. This ligament stretches from the anterior surface of the epiglottis to the top border of the hyoid bone's body. It shelters the preepiglottic and paraglottic areas and separates the base of the tongue and the supraglottic larynx. The hyoepiglottic ligament is effectively a barrier for the space of the preepiglottic; specifically, it protects against certain types of cancers by making it difficult for suprahyoid carcinomas to pass through the preepiglottic space into the throat.