Abstract
AbstractThe styloid process is a slender bony projection that arises from the inferior surface of the temporal bone just beneath the external auditory meatus and closely related to the stylomastoid foramen. The normal length of SP in an adult is considered to be 20 to 30mm however, it is very variably developed, ranging in length from a few millimetres to a few centimetres.The styloid process is developed at the cranial end of cartilage in the second visceral or hyoid arch by two centers: a proximal, for the tympanohyal, appearing before birth; the other, for the distal stylohyal, after birth. But sometimes the stylohyoid chain may form, that extends between the temporal and hyoid bones which are divided into 4 sections: tympanohyal, stylohyal, ceratohyal and hypohyal. Cartilage that is embryo logically located at the stylohyoid ligament may undergo calcification of varying degrees, which causes variations. Ossified stylohyal ligament parts may merge or leave gaps in between. The anatomy of styloid process has immense embryological, clinical, surgical importance.
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